ylang-ylang
noun
variants
or less commonly ilang-ilang
1
: a tree (Cananga odorata) of the custard-apple family that is native to the Malay Archipelago, the Philippines, and adjacent areas and has very fragrant greenish-yellow flowers
2
: a perfume distilled from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree
Examples of ylang-ylang in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are Basquiat ski helmets, Basquiat wristwatches, and a Basquiat candle, which smells of ylang-ylang and smoked tea.
—
Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Velvet Sun is a solar scent that feels like a warm day at the beach with sparkling notes of coconut water, ylang-ylang and bergamot.
—Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Its blend of ylang-ylang, geranium, jasmine, palmarosa, rose, bergamot, lemon, and tangerine essential oils works as advertised: in the front row, on the subway, or wherever.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025
Limbo combines rhubarb, ylang-ylang, hay, myrrh, and sandalwood to create a lush, green aroma.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025
With notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and saffron, the silky spray brings a subtle gleam to the skin and hair.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Courtesy of brand Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Perfume Mist
$24 $20
Walmart
For a boost of energy in a bottle, look no further than this perfume mist, which has notes of warm sand, tuberose, ylang-ylang, and dry creamy vanilla.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024
The spa-channeling fragrance melds notes of ylang-ylang, lemon, and eucalyptus with plant and flower essences.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Nov. 2024
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil Research has found that ylang-ylang essential oil may help with scalp psoriasis.
—Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024
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Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Velvet Sun is a solar scent that feels like a warm day at the beach with sparkling notes of coconut water, ylang-ylang and bergamot.
—Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Its blend of ylang-ylang, geranium, jasmine, palmarosa, rose, bergamot, lemon, and tangerine essential oils works as advertised: in the front row, on the subway, or wherever.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025
Limbo combines rhubarb, ylang-ylang, hay, myrrh, and sandalwood to create a lush, green aroma.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025
With notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and saffron, the silky spray brings a subtle gleam to the skin and hair.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Courtesy of brand Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Perfume Mist
$24 $20
Walmart
For a boost of energy in a bottle, look no further than this perfume mist, which has notes of warm sand, tuberose, ylang-ylang, and dry creamy vanilla.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024
The spa-channeling fragrance melds notes of ylang-ylang, lemon, and eucalyptus with plant and flower essences.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Nov. 2024
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil Research has found that ylang-ylang essential oil may help with scalp psoriasis.
—Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Ylang-ylang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ylang-ylang. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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