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.
Instead of just pouring in milk, warm it first with aromatics: cardamom pods, citrus peel, bay leaf, star anise, even a bruised sprig of basil. Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Flavors like coffee and donuts, toasted hay sorghum chip, bay leaf raspberry crisp, and coconut lemongrass already made his business stand out, and that only expanded when Retta's opened a brick and mortar earlier this year. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 10 Jan. 2025 Heat briefly, add the bay leaf, pepper and sugar and stir to blend. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025 For both vermouth and aperol, adding mint or bay leaf will bring out the herbal notes in the liquors. Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 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 20 Aug. 2025.

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