laurel

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noun lau·rel \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
3a : a crown of laurel awarded as an honorb : a recognition of achievement : honor —usually used in plural

See laurel defined for English-language learners

See laurel defined for kids

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

verb lau·rel

Definition of laurel

laureled

laurelled

;

laureling

laurelling

transitive verb
: to deck or crown with laurel

1631

First Known Use of laurel

1631

Laurel

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biographical name Lau·rel \ˈlȯr-əl, ˈlär-\

Definition of Laurel

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

LAUREL Defined for English Language Learners

laurel

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noun lau·rel \ˈlȯr-əl, ˈlär-\

Definition of laurel for English Language Learners

: an evergreen tree or bush with shiny pointed leaves
laurels : honor or fame given for some achievement

LAUREL Defined for Kids

laurel

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noun lau·rel \ˈlȯr-əl\

Definition 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