Dictionary
1laurel
noun lau·rel \ˈlȯr-əl, ˈlär-\
: an evergreen tree or bush with shiny pointed leaves
laurels : honor or fame given for some achievement
Full 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
3
a : a crown of laurel awarded as an honor b : a recognition of achievement : honor —usually used in plural
See laurel defined for English-language learners
See laurel defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of LAUREL
Origin 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
2laurel
verb
laureled or laurelledlaurel·ing or laurel·ling
Definition of LAUREL
transitive verb
: to deck or crown with laurel
First Known Use of LAUREL
1631
Laurel
biographical name Lau·rel \ˈlȯr-əl, ˈlär-\
Definition of LAUREL
Stan 1890–1965 born Arthur Stanley Jefferson British comic actor in United States
LAURELS Defined for Kids
laurel
noun lau·rel \ˈlȯr-əl\
Definition of LAUREL for Kids
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
Learn More About LAUREL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: laurel bayPrevious Word in the Dictionary: laureate All Words Near: laurel
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up laurel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).