Laurel
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˈlɒɹ.É™l/, /ˈlÉ”Ëɹ.É™l/
- US IPA: /ˈlɔɹ.əl/
- Rhymes: -ɒrəl
Origin
From Middle English lorrer, Anglo-Norman lorer, from Old French lorier, from lor, from Latin laurus ("laurel").
Full definition of laurel
Noun
laurel
(plural laurels)- An evergreen shrub, of the genus Laurus, having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their axils.
- A crown of laurel.
- (figuratively, chiefly in the plural) honor, distinction, fame.to win laurels; to crown with laurels.
- An English gold coin made in 1619, and so called because the king's head on it was crowned with laurel
Derived terms
Usage notes
The name is extended to other plants which in some respect resemble the true laurel.