Definition

Noun 1. A small evergreen tree: A small Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) with glossy, aromatic leaves and small blackish berries. 2. The source of bay leaves: The tree whose leaves are used dried as a herb for flavoring in cooking. 3. A symbol of victory and honor: The tree used by ancient Greeks and Romans to make wreaths to crown victors, poets, and emperors.

Usage Examples

• As a plant/tree:
  • A mature Laurus nobilis can be grown as a large shrub or a small tree.
  • The garden features a hedge of Laurus nobilis.
• As a source of flavoring:
  • The chef grows Laurus nobilis to use its fresh leaves in stews.
• In historical/cultural context:
  • In ancient times, a wreath from Laurus nobilis was the highest honor for an athlete.

Advanced Usage

• "Poet laureate": This title, for an officially appointed poet, derives from the tradition of crowning poets with a laurel (Laurus nobilis) wreath. The word "laureate" means "crowned with laurel."
• "To rest on one's laurels": This idiom means to be satisfied with past achievements and stop trying to achieve new things. It originates from the idea of someone relaxing after being crowned with a victor's laurel wreath.

Variants and Related Words

• Laurel (n): The common name for , or for other similar plants. Often used interchangeably.
  • She added a laurel leaf to the soup.
• Bay (n): Another common name for , especially when referring to the culinary herb (bay leaf).
  • The recipe calls for one bay leaf.
• Bay laurel (n): A compound name specifying the true laurel () to distinguish it from other plants called "laurel" or "bay."

Synonyms

• Bay tree
• True laurel
• Sweet bay

Related Phrases

• Laurel wreath / Bay wreath: A circular crown made from the leaves of the tree, symbolizing victory, peace, and eternal glory.
  • The emperor was depicted wearing a laurel wreath.

Related Idioms

• Look to one's laurels: To be careful not to lose one's superior position to a rival.
  • The champion must look to his laurels with such a talented newcomer competing.
• Win/Gain laurels: To achieve honor or glory.
  • The scientist won laurels for her groundbreaking research.

Noun

1. small Mediterranean evergreen tree with small blackish berries and glossy aromatic leaves used for flavoring in cooking; also used by ancient Greeks to crown victors