Illustration of laurel
- laurel 1
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
laureled or laurelled; laureling or laurelling
: to deck or crown with laurel
Synonyms
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
Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024
His performance in the show has earned his a raft of critical laurels, including three Primetime Emmy nominations.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 May 2024
Many experts, including Mr. Giambrone, say their country has rested on its considerable laurels rather than cultivate a musical culture that encourages students to learn about their illustrious heritage.
—Elisabetta Povoledo Alessandro Penso, New York Times, 13 May 2024
Ohio State’s graduate student guard Celeste Taylor earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year laurels from the coaches, while Wisconsin’s sophomore forward Serah Williams received Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year recognition in the media vote.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2024
Not resting on those laurels, though, Oakland County leaders used part of Wednesday's presentation to unveil their latest boost to small- to medium-size manufacturers.
—Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 8 May 2024
The distinction also marks a posthumous laurel for Nancy Ancrum, who capped a 40-year career at the Herald by serving as the Herald’s editorial page editor for a decade before retiring at the end of 2023.
—Joey Flechas, Miami Herald, 7 May 2024
To make the vessel, Roman shipbuilders used pine, as well as a selection of harder woods, including cypress, olive and bay laurel.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2024
Because while the City of Light may be known as the cradle of fashion, culture, and gastronomy, not too long ago it was also regularly accused of slipping into a lazy, even smug, complacency—stuck in its ways, resting on the laurels of its storied past.
—Vivian Song, Robb Report, 4 May 2024
Noun
Apollo, the most beautiful Olympian deity, places a laurel wreath on his own head, much as a victorious ancient Greek athlete might.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024
His performance in the show has earned his a raft of critical laurels, including three Primetime Emmy nominations.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 May 2024
Many experts, including Mr. Giambrone, say their country has rested on its considerable laurels rather than cultivate a musical culture that encourages students to learn about their illustrious heritage.
—Elisabetta Povoledo Alessandro Penso, New York Times, 13 May 2024
Ohio State’s graduate student guard Celeste Taylor earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year laurels from the coaches, while Wisconsin’s sophomore forward Serah Williams received Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year recognition in the media vote.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2024
Not resting on those laurels, though, Oakland County leaders used part of Wednesday's presentation to unveil their latest boost to small- to medium-size manufacturers.
—Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 8 May 2024
The distinction also marks a posthumous laurel for Nancy Ancrum, who capped a 40-year career at the Herald by serving as the Herald’s editorial page editor for a decade before retiring at the end of 2023.
—Joey Flechas, Miami Herald, 7 May 2024
To make the vessel, Roman shipbuilders used pine, as well as a selection of harder woods, including cypress, olive and bay laurel.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2024
Because while the City of Light may be known as the cradle of fashion, culture, and gastronomy, not too long ago it was also regularly accused of slipping into a lazy, even smug, complacency—stuck in its ways, resting on the laurels of its storied past.
—Vivian Song, Robb Report, 4 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laurel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near laurel
Cite this Entry
“Laurel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laurel. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Copy CitationBiographical Definition
Laurel
biographical name
Lau·rel
ˈlȯr-əl 
ˈlär-
Stan 1890–1965 born Arthur Stanley Jefferson British comic actor in U.S.
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