Search Dictionary
Definition of laurel

laurel

/ˈlɔː.rəl/
lau · rel

Plural:laurels
JUMP TO:

laurel Lexical Profile

laurel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Honor, distinction, or fame acquired through success or significant achievement, most frequently used in the plural form.

Example

"After winning the international architectural competition, the firm refused to rest on its laurels and immediately began designing an even more ambitious project."


2

An evergreen tree or shrub native to the Mediterranean region (Laurus nobilis), featuring dark green, glossy leaves that are widely used as a culinary herb and historically woven into wreaths.

Example

"She planted a small laurel in her herb garden to ensure a fresh supply of bay leaves for winter stews."


3

A wreath or crown woven from the foliage of the bay laurel tree, traditionally worn on the head as a symbol of victory, honor, or poetic achievement.

Example

"In ancient Rome, a victorious general returning from a successful campaign was often crowned with a laurel."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for laurel
Antonyms
View all antonyms for laurel

• Rhymes for laurel

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'laurel' or 'lorer', derived from Old French 'lorier', which ultimately traces back to Latin 'laurus', meaning bay tree.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Laurel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/laurel
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.