lilac

Everyday

1. A lilac is a bush or small tree with large bunches of small, sweet-smelling purple, pink or white flowers in spring. tree →
2. Lilac is a pale purple colour. tree →

In the lessons

In gardens and science lessons lilac is a spring-flowering shrub. In art and fashion lilac is a soft colour name. In poems and stories the smell of lilac often brings memories of spring. Phrases: «a lilac bush», «lilac blossom», «pale lilac».

Examples

• The lilac by the gate is in flower. tree →
• Her bedroom walls are painted lilac. tree →
• The scent of lilac drifted through the window. tree →
• She wore a lilac dress to the wedding. tree →
• White lilac grows in Gran's garden. tree →
• Bees buzzed around the lilac blossom. tree →
• There were damask Roses, and yellow Roses, lilac Crocuses, and gold, purple Violets and white. tree →

Note

Countable for the bush (two lilacs), uncountable for the colour. Said «LY-lak». Lilac is lighter than violet or purple; mauve and lavender are similar colours.