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

Noun

• acclaim
• accolade
• applause
• bay(s)
• credit
• distinction
• glory
• homage
• honor
• kudos
• laud
• props [slang]
• réclame
• sun

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

But as Maurice is quick to point out, his team can’t — and won’t — rest on its laurels from last season. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024

The team determined that the head, complete with a crown of laurels, dates to the second or early third century C.E. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

This pattern showcases acorns, oak, and laurel leaves, which are symbols of strength, longevity, and peace. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2024

Among her many laurels are a Guggenheim fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts awards for painting and sculpture, and a spate of honorary doctorates. —Margalit Fox, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2024

Explore See latest videos, charts and news This week, Pharrell and Miley conjure new (old) magic, Cardi B is not resting on her laurels, and Charli XCX wants to go back to the trucker-hat era. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 1 Mar. 2024

Along the way up, admire pretty plants such as laurel sumac, California buckwheat and prickly pear cactus. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2024

That is because the Marlins spent the offseason resting on their laurels instead of trying to get better, even though the laurels of being swept out in the wild-card round in two games were hardly comfy enough to rest on. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2024

Moments showcasing those relationships were imperative to making a biopic that didn’t completely rest on the laurels of Marley’s staggering cultural cachet. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2024

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

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.