laurel

1 of 2

noun

lau·​rel ˈlȯr-əl 

ˈlär-

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

Illustration of laurel

• laurel 1

laurel

2 of 2

verb

laureled or laurelled; laureling or laurelling

transitive verb

: to deck or crown with laurel

Synonyms of laurel

Noun

• accolade
• glory
• applause
• acclaim
• honor
• credit

Examples of laurel in a Sentence

Noun

They enjoyed the laurels of their military victory.

The player earned his laurels from years of hard work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Matise is certainly not resting on his laurels after a big junior season, either. —Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026

Kodak culture Kodak’s rise and longtime photo-industry dominance grew not only from its laser focus on ease of use and affordability for customers, but on a company culture of not resting on its laurels. —Marcia Greenwood, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Now the reclusive Sklar rests on his laurels, collects residual checks from a former career as a reality-TV show judge — think Simon Cowell, but for painting — and films Cameos for quick cash. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026

Carolina cherry laurel is moderately salt tolerant and performs well in coastal landscapes. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1631, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing laurel

• California laurel
• great laurel
• mountain laurel
• sheep laurel
• spurge laurel

Rhymes for laurel

• aural
• chloral
• choral
• coral
• floral
• forel
• lauryl
• loral
• moral
• quarrel
• sorel
• sorrel

Kids Definition

laurel

noun

lau·​rel

ˈlȯr-əl, 

ˈlär-

1

: an evergreen shrub or tree of southern Europe related to the sassafras and cinnamon with shiny pointed leaves used by the ancient Greeks to crown victors in various contests

2

: a tree or shrub (as a mountain laurel) that resembles the true laurel

3

a

: a crown of laurel

b

: honor entry 1 sense 1, fame

—usually used in plural

Biographical Definition

Laurel

biographical name

Lau·​rel ˈlȯr-əl 

ˈlär-

Stan 1890–1965 born Arthur Stanley Jefferson British comic actor in U.S.