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bay leaf

noun

: the dried leaf of the European laurel (Laurus nobilis) used in cooking

Examples of bay leaf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Distribute the bay leaf quarters, the rosemary sprigs, and the lemon hyssop leaves among the oysters. Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025 In a medium saucepan, stir together onions, broth, sherry, bay leaf, and thyme. Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 18 Nov. 2025 Add the tomatoes, stout, bay leaf, brown sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025 Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and bay leaf. Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bay leaf

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bay leaf was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bay leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bay%20leaf. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

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