laurel

¹lau·rel

noun \ˈlȯr-əl, ˈlär-\

Definition of LAUREL

1

: an evergreen shrub or tree (Laurus nobilis of the family Lauraceae, the laurel family) of southern Europe with small yellow flowers, fruits that are ovoid blackish berries, and evergreen foliage once used by the ancient Greeks to crown victors in the Pythian games —called also bay, sweet bay

2

: a tree or shrub that resembles the true laurel; especially : mountain laurel

3

a : a crown of laurel awarded as an honor b : a recognition of achievement : honor —usually used in plural

Examples of LAUREL

1. They enjoyed the laurels of their military victory.
2. The player earned his laurels from years of hard work.

Illustration of LAUREL

Origin of LAUREL

Middle English lorel, in part from Medieval Latin laureola spurge laurel (from Latin, laurel sprig), in part modification of Anglo-French lorer, from Old French lor laurel, from Latin laurus

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with LAUREL

aural, chloral, choral, coral, floral, moral, oral, quarrel, sorrel