Definition

Noun: 1. A small evergreen tree: A small Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) with glossy, aromatic leaves, small blackish berries, and historically significant uses. 2. A source of bay leaves: The plant whose dried leaves (bay leaves) are used as a culinary herb for flavoring. 3. A symbol of victory and honor: In classical antiquity, a wreath made from its leaves was used to crown victors, poets, and heroes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for a single leaf of bay laurel to be added to the stew.
  • In ancient Greece, a wreath of bay laurel was a great honor for an Olympic champion.
  • We planted a bay laurel in the garden so we could have fresh bay leaves.

Advanced Usage

• "Poet laureate": This title originates from the tradition of crowning poets with a laurel wreath. While it doesn't contain the exact phrase "bay laurel," the word "laureate" is directly derived from it.
• "To rest on one's laurels": This idiom means to be satisfied with past achievements and stop trying to improve. It references the wreath of laurel leaves as a symbol of past victory.

Variants and Related Words

• Laurel (n): Often used as a shorter, more common name for the bay laurel tree or its leaves. It can also refer to other plants in different contexts.
• Bay leaf (n): The dried leaf of the bay laurel tree, used as a seasoning.
• Laurus nobilis (n): The scientific, botanical name for the bay laurel tree.

Synonyms

• Sweet bay: Another common name for the same plant.
• True laurel: Used to distinguish it from other, unrelated plants also called "laurel" (e.g., cherry laurel).

Related Phrases

• Laurel wreath (n): A circular crown made from the leaves and branches of the bay laurel.
  • The statue of the emperor wore a carved laurel wreath.

Related Idioms

• To look to one's laurels: To be careful not to lose one's superior position to a rival.
  • The reigning champion must look to his laurels with such strong new competitors.

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