Laurel — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈlȯr-əl/ lau·rel

Meaning & Definition of Laurel

Laurel (noun)

  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 crown of laurel awarded as an honor

Laurel (verb)

  1. to deck or crown with laurel

Laurel (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in crown, title

    similar: crown, insignia, ribbon, title, medal, medallion, order, decoration, honor, bronze, gold, silver, badge, button, chevron, clasp, cockade, color, ensign, rosette, star, distinction, award, prize, trophy, citation, commendation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Laurel

The most common words with a similar meaning to Laurel:

crown, insignia, ribbon, title, medal, medallion, order, decoration, honor, bronze, gold, silver, badge, button, chevron, clasp, cockade, color, ensign, rosette, star, distinction, award, prize, trophy, citation, commendation

Word Forms of Laurel

Inflections: laureled, laurelled, laureling, laurelling

Origin & Etymology of Laurel

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: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Laurel

California laurel, great laurel, mountain laurel, sheep laurel, spurge laurel

Frequently Asked Questions about Laurel

What does "Laurel" mean?

"Laurel" means 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. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: 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.

What is another word for "Laurel"?

Other words for "Laurel" include crown, insignia, ribbon, title, medal, medallion, order and decoration. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Laurel" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Laurel"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Laurel". Common alternatives include crown, insignia, ribbon, title, medal, medallion, order, decoration, honor and bronze.

Is "Laurel" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Laurel" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Laurel"?

"Laurel" is pronounced /ˈlȯr-əl/ and divided into syllables as lau·rel.

What is the origin of the word "Laurel"?

"Laurel" comes from 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: 14th century.

What is another word for "Laurel" meaning "as in crown, title"?

When "Laurel" (noun) means as in crown, title, synonyms include crown, insignia, ribbon, title, medal and medallion.

What does "Laurel" mean as a noun?

As a noun, "Laurel" means: 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; a tree or shrub that resembles the true laurel; especially, mountain laurel; a crown of laurel awarded as an honor.