bay leaf

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Once boiling, add rice, sausage and bay leaf. People Staff, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2023 Stir in the vegetable juice, water, onion, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon granules, oregano, marjoram, pepper, and bay leaf. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2023 Remove and discard bay leaf. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 30 July 2022 Add the tomato puree, sugar, bay leaf, pimentón, and cayenne. Morgan Hines, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2023 Add the wine, beef broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and sugar. Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2023 Stir in bay leaf and peppercorns. Tribune News Service, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2021 Made from white corn, beef or pork, tripe and red chorizo, as well as other vegetables including white beans, squash and pumpkin, and seasoned with cumin and bay leaf, this tasty meal in a bowl is an ideal winter warmer. Sorrel Moseley-williams, CNN, 5 Mar. 2023 After searing the chicken skin, Mr. Ang simmers the legs in a soy sauce bath seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, orange peel, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns and star anise. Kitty Greenwald, WSJ, 7 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bay leaf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near bay leaf

Cite this Entry

“Bay leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bay%20leaf. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

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