# Lila

/ˈɫiɫə/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lila
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

having a pale purple color. It is the color of the flowers on a lilac bush.

For teachers: of a pale violet or light purple color, resembling the flowers of the lilac plant.

## Examples

- She wore a beautiful lila dress to the party.
- The walls of the nursery were painted a soft lila to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
- The sunset painted the horizon in shades of lila and gold, casting a gentle glow over the quiet valley as the day came to an end.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a lila flower" but "a lilac flower" — While 'lila' is used for the color in many languages and some English dialects, 'lilac' is the standard name for the plant itself.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in European English contexts; in American English, 'lilac' is the standard spelling for both the flower and the color.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.