Simple Definition of laurel
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: an evergreen tree or bush with shiny pointed leaves
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laurels : honor or fame given for some achievement
Full 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 in a sentence
They enjoyed the laurels of their military victory.
The player earned his laurels from years of hard work.
Illustration of laurel
Origin and Etymology 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
laurel
Definition of laurel
laureled
orlaurelled
laureling
orlaurelling
transitive verb
: to deck or crown with laurel
1631
First Known Use of laurel
1631
Laurel
playDefinition of Laurel
Stan 1890–1965 born Arthur Stanley Jefferson British comic actor in United States
LAUREL Defined for Kids
laurel
playDefinition of laurel for Students
1 : a small evergreen European tree with shiny pointed leaves used in ancient times to crown victors (as in sports)
2 : a tree or shrub (as the American mountain laurel) that resembles the European laurel
3 : a crown of laurel used as a mark of honor
Learn More about laurel
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Spanish Central: Translation of laurel Nglish: Translation of laurel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of laurel for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laurel
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