Illustration of lilac
- lilac 1a
1
a
: a widely cultivated European shrub (Syringa vulgaris) of the olive family that has cordate ovate leaves and large panicles of fragrant pinkish-purple or white flowers
b
: a tree or shrub congeneric with the lilac
2
: a variable color averaging a moderate purple
Examples of lilac in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
California lilacs have put on the most spectacular show this year.
—
Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2024
This spring, expect whites, reds, and shades of soft pastels (think lilacs, yellows, and sky blues) to bring a fresh feel to outdoor spaces.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2024
Come spring, the grounds burst with color, namely the 200-plus cherry blossom trees that bloom in April, and the lilacs, bluebells, and peonies springing to life throughout May.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024
Bed linens sailing the wind, curtains flaring beyond the windscreens, lilacs soon to lie on the ground.
—Carolyn Forché, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2024
Some favorites are California lilacs and pipevines, coyote bushes, sage, and seaside daisies—all of which, not insignificantly, cater to endangered types of butterflies, bees, and other insects.
—Paola Singer, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2024
White, lavender, deep purple, and even rare yellow and blue lilacs perfuming the air.
—Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Later spring blooming species such as some viburnums and early lilacs (Syringa species and hybrids) also tend to force fairly well.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 9 Feb. 2024
First the color palette: subtle peaches, vibrant lilacs, blood oranges; sheer and layered on top of one another, hugging the body and creating its own ridges and frontiers.
—Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2023
Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2024
This spring, expect whites, reds, and shades of soft pastels (think lilacs, yellows, and sky blues) to bring a fresh feel to outdoor spaces.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2024
Come spring, the grounds burst with color, namely the 200-plus cherry blossom trees that bloom in April, and the lilacs, bluebells, and peonies springing to life throughout May.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024
Bed linens sailing the wind, curtains flaring beyond the windscreens, lilacs soon to lie on the ground.
—Carolyn Forché, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2024
Some favorites are California lilacs and pipevines, coyote bushes, sage, and seaside daisies—all of which, not insignificantly, cater to endangered types of butterflies, bees, and other insects.
—Paola Singer, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2024
White, lavender, deep purple, and even rare yellow and blue lilacs perfuming the air.
—Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Later spring blooming species such as some viburnums and early lilacs (Syringa species and hybrids) also tend to force fairly well.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 9 Feb. 2024
First the color palette: subtle peaches, vibrant lilacs, blood oranges; sheer and layered on top of one another, hugging the body and creating its own ridges and frontiers.
—Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lilac.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Lilac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lilac. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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