noun
lilac
LEYE-luhk
noun
1
A shrub (genus Syringa) that produces clusters of fragrant white, pink, or purple flowers.
"The lilac by the fence blooms every May."
2
A pale purple color, named after the flower.
"She painted the nursery a soft lilac."
adj
1
Of a pale purple color.
"She wore a lilac dress to the wedding."
How to Use Lilac
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the flowering shrub or the pale purple color named after it.
Common pairings
lilac bush
pale lilac
lilac blossom
Word Forms
more lilac comparative, lilacs plural, most lilac superlative
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The _____ by the fence blooms every May.
Etymology
Via French from Arabic līlak, ultimately traced back through Persian to a Sanskrit word for "dark blue."