Definition

Noun 1. A small evergreen tree: A small Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) with glossy, aromatic leaves, small blackish berries, and historically significant cultural 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: The tree whose leaves and branches were woven into wreaths to crown victors and poets in ancient Greece and Rome.

Usage Examples

• As a plant/tree:
  • The true laurel is native to the Mediterranean region.
  • We planted a true laurel in the garden for its aromatic leaves.
• As a culinary source:
  • The chef prefers using leaves from the true laurel over other varieties.
• In a historical/cultural context:
  • In ancient times, a wreath from the true laurel was the highest honor for an athlete.

Advanced Usage

• "Poet laureate": While not a direct use of the plant, this title derives from the ancient tradition of crowning poetic achievement with laurel. It signifies an officially appointed poet.
• "Resting on one's laurels": This idiom, meaning to be satisfied with past achievements and stop trying to improve, originates from the symbolism of the laurel wreath as a reward for victory.

Variants and Related Words

• Bay laurel: The most common alternative name for .
• Bay tree: A common name for the same plant.
• Sweet bay: Another synonym, often used to distinguish it from other plants with "bay" in their name (e.g., California bay).
• Laurus nobilis: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
• Laurel: A more general term that can refer to or to other plants in related families (e.g., cherry laurel). "True laurel" specifies the classic, culinary, and historical species.

Synonyms

• Bay laurel
• Bay tree
• Sweet bay
• Grecian laurel

Related Phrases

• Laurel wreath: A circular crown made from the branches and leaves of the true laurel, symbolizing victory, peace, and artistic achievement.
• Bay leaf: The aromatic leaf of the true laurel, used dried as a herb.

Related Idioms

• To look to one's laurels: To be careful in case one's position of superiority is challenged by a rival.
• To win/gain laurels: To achieve honor or glory.

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