(~s, or ~)
1.
A ~ or a ~ tree is a small tree which has sweet-smelling purple, pink, or white flowers in large, cone-shaped groups.
Lilacs grew against the side wall.
...a twig of ~.
N-VAR
•
Lilacs are the flowers which grow on this tree.
...a vase of tulips, lilies, ~s and primroses...
Her hair smelt of ~.
N-VAR
2.
Something that is ~ is pale pinkish-purple in colour.
All shades of mauve, ~, lavender and purple were fashionable.
COLOUR