laurel

1 of 2

noun

lau·​rel ˈlȯr-əl How to pronounce laurel (audio)
ˈlär-
Synonyms of laurelnext
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

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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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Noun
In his own right, the Pulitzer-winning Lamar is also a legend, but like Bey, his is not resting on his laurels. — Alex Gonzalez, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 In fact, part of what marks Cronenberg as one of the most exciting voices of his filmmaking generation (or any other) is a general refusal to rest on his laurels or his bad-boy reputation. — A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025 The Jayhawks have four roster spots to fill, so naturally, Self isn’t resting on his laurels. — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025 Not one to rest on his laurels, Berners-Lee now promotes an evolution of the web called Solid, which strongly focuses on keeping individuals in control of their personal information. — PC Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laurel

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of laurel was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing laurel

Rhymes for laurel

See All Rhymes for laurel

Browse Nearby Words

laureate
laurel
Laurel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laurel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laurel. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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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 How to pronounce Laurel (audio)
ˈlär-
Stan 1890–1965 born Arthur Stanley Jefferson British comic actor in U.S.

More from Merriam-Webster on laurel

Nglish: Translation of laurel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laurel

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