Search Dictionary
Definition of common lilac
common lilac
Plural:common lilacs
common lilac Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
7
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A large deciduous shrub of the olive family, native to the Balkan Peninsula, widely cultivated in temperate regions for its highly fragrant, typically pale purple or white spring-blooming flowers.
Example
"We planted a common lilac near the patio so we could enjoy its sweet fragrance every spring."
2
The heavily scented, conical cluster of flowers produced by this specific shrub.
Example
"She arranged a fresh bouquet of common lilacs and peonies for the dining table."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for common lilac• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The term combines 'common' (from Latin 'communis') and 'lilac' (from French 'lilac', via Arabic 'līlak' and Persian 'līlak', meaning 'bluish'). The 'common' designation differentiates it from other species within the Syringa genus.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Common lilac. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/common lilac