Lilac

/ˈlaɪlək/ · noun

Meaning

A large shrub of the genus Syringa, especially Syringa vulgaris, bearing white, pale-pink, or purple flowers..

Definitions by Sense

1. A large shrub of the genus Syringa, especially Syringa vulgaris, bearing white, pale-pink, or purple flowers.
2. A flower of the lilac shrub.
3. A pale purple color, the color of some lilac flowers.
4. A cat having a lilac-colored (pale brown) coat.
5. Having a pale purple colour.
6. Of a cat or its fur: having a pale brown colour, lighter than chocolate.

Example Sentences

Breezes blowing from beds of iris quickened her breath with their perfume; she saw the tufted lilacs sway in the wind, and the streamers of mauve-tinted wistaria swinging, all a-glisten with golden bees; she saw a crimson cardinal winging through the foliage, and amorous tanagers flashing like scarlet flames athwart the pines.

[…] O death, I cover you over with roses and early lilies, / But mostly and now the lilac that blooms the first, / Copious I break, I break the sprigs from the bushes, / With loaded arms I come, pouring for you, / For you and the coffins all of you O death.

Synonyms for lilac

Antonyms for lilac

Related Words

Word Forms

• lilacs
• more lilac
• most lilac

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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