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lilac

A shrub of the genus Syringa, typically with fragrant purple, pink, or white flowers. / Of a pale purple color, resembling the flower of the lilac shrub. / A pale purple color.
Adjective[C/U] Both
pl: lilacs

This word evokes a strong sensory connection between a specific scent and a specific hue. It carries a romantic, nostalgic, and soft connotation, often associated with the arrival of spring and a sense of delicacy or femininity.

While lavender also describes a pale purple, lilac tends to be slightly warmer and more pinkish. In a design or fashion context, lilac suggests a lightness and airy quality that is less clinical than a true violet.

Countable when referring to the individual shrubs planted in a garden. Uncountable when referring to the color of a wall or the general scent in the air.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Commander Tom is staring out a reinforced window at the red dust of Mars while texting Kip in the engine room.
Commander Tom

I'd give anything to smell lilac right now. This place is just rust.

I'd give anything to smell lilac right now. This place is just rust.

Commander Tom
Kip
Kip

Get a grip, Tom. I'm literally knee-deep in coolant leak.

Get a grip, Tom. I'm literally knee-deep in coolant leak.

Meanings

Noun

A shrub of the genus Syringa, typically with fragrant purple, pink, or white flowers.

The garden was filled with the sweet scent of lilac in early June.

Adjective

Of a pale purple color, resembling the flower of the lilac shrub.

She chose a soft lilac dress for the spring wedding.

Noun

A pale purple color.

The walls were painted a delicate shade of lilac.

Related Words

mauvelavendervioletshrubflowerfragrancebloompurplesyringaperennial
Last Updated: May 25, 2026Report an Error