Lilac
/ˈlaɪ.lək/noun
A shrub or small tree with fragrant purple, pink, or white flowers.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Persian and Arabic names for the plant, showing how a garden flower can carry centuries of trade, travel, and translation in its petals.
Etymological Timeline
Modern English
English
lilac
“the flowering shrub with fragrant blossoms”
17th Century
French
lilas
“the lilac plant”
16th Century
Italian
lilà
“lilac”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
lilak / līlak
“lilac”
Persian
Persian
nīlak
“lilac, bluish”