: 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
Illustration of lilac
lilac 1a
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The California lilac, a common plant in these mountains, drops seeds that only germinate in the aftermath of fire.—Jeff Goodell, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025 Advertisement 12 beautiful plants and flowers to enjoy in Southern California in 2025
Here are plants and flowers to enjoy, one for every month of the year, from lilacs, camellias and poinsettias to native buckwheat, wildflowers and toyon.—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 For floral joy throughout the year, set reminders now to take some time in the coming months to literally stop and smell the roses ... or lilacs.—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 California lilacs, that start coloring (and perfuming) our wild hills and many native habitat gardens as early as March.—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lilac
Word History
Etymology
obsolete French (now lilas), from Arabic līlak, from Persian nīlak bluish, from nīl blue, from Sanskrit nīla dark blue
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