laurel definition - Dictionary

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	launch complex

	launch into

	launch out

	launch pad

	launch party

	launch shoe

	launch vehicle

	launch window

	launcher

	launder

	launderette

	laundress

	laundrette

	Laundromat

	laundry

	laundry basket

	laundry detergent

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laurel

lau·rel [ láwrəl ]

noun (plural lau·rels)

Definition:

1. plants
Same as bay⁴ (sense 1)

2. tree or bush resembling bay: a tree or bush whose leaves, aroma, or berries are similar to those of the bay, e.g. the mountain laurel and cherry laurel

3. wreath of leaves: a wreath of woven bay leaves used as a mark of honor or victory in ancient times, e.g. to crown the winners of sports events

plural noun lau·rels

Definition:

honors for achievement: honors won for an achievement

transitive verb (past and past participle lau·reled or lau·relled, present participle lau·rel·ing or lau·rel·ling, 3rd person present singular lau·rels)

Definition:

1. give somebody award: to honor somebody with an award or prize

2. crown somebody with bay: to crown somebody with a wreath of bay as a sign of honor ( literary )

[14th century. Via Old French lorier< Latin laureola "small bay branch" < laurus "bay tree"]

look to your laurels to be careful not to lose a successful or winning position because of a better performance by somebody else

rest on your laurels to be satisfied with your success and do nothing to improve on it

Regional History


	The term laurel identifies three different trees in the eastern United States. From Massachusetts and Pennsylvania through Tennessee to Florida and westward to Mississippi, it may mean "magnolia." In the eastern states, it may mean "mountain laurel." In the Upper South, especially North Carolina, it may mean "rhododendron."