What does laurel mean?
Laurel is best understood as a symbol of honor and distinction as well as the evergreen tree from which ceremonial wreaths were traditionally made. The phrase “win laurels” means to receive praise, acclaim, or recognition for achievement, while “rest on one's laurels” means to rely on past successes rather than seeking new accomplishments. Laurel wreaths were associated with victory in ancient Greece and Rome and became enduring emblems of triumph. The word can also refer to the leaves of the bay tree, especially when used to decorate a person or building, and to trees of the genus Laurus, including the culinary bay tree. Its figurative use is generally positive, suggesting distinction, success, and prestige, though the expression about resting on past laurels can carry a mildly cautionary implication of complacency. In most contexts where the word signifies achievement or acclaim, it appears in the plural form, “laurels.”
An evergreen tree or shrub of the genus Laurus, especially the bay tree; a wreath made from laurel leaves; or, figuratively, an honor or distinction.
"The garden contains several varieties of laurel."
To honor or distinguish someone with laurel or by crowning them with laurel.
"The community lauded the volunteers for their exceptional service."
Rare and literary; usually found in formal or ceremonial contexts.
The plural is standard when the word means honors, achievements, or acclaim, as in “earn laurels” or “win laurels.” The singular is used for the tree, its leaves, or an individual wreath.
"The young ensemble has won laurels throughout the competition."
The laurel was sacred to the Greek god Apollo, and its crown became an enduring symbol of victory from antiquity onward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laurel come from?
The English word comes through Old French from Latin laurus, the Latin name for the laurel tree and also the source of the image of a victorious figure crowned with laurel. The Latin word is commonly connected with an earlier Greek term associated with the evergreen plant and the myth of Apollo and Daphne, although the precise ancient derivation is not certain. Latin derivatives include the adjective laureatus, meaning “crowned with laurel,” which developed into English “laureate.”
Related word forms
How laurel is actually used
In figurative use, the plural is usual when referring collectively to honors or achievements: “win laurels,” “earn laurels,” or “rest on one's laurels.” The singular commonly refers to the tree, its leaves, or a wreath made from them.