Definition of "laurel" in English

noun

1. An evergreen shrub of species Laurus nobilis, having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their axils.

2. A crown of laurel.

3. (figuratively, chiefly in the plural) Honor, distinction, fame.

   • to win laurels
   • to crown with laurels

4. (botany) Any plant of the family Lauraceae.

5. (botany) Any of various plants of other families that resemble laurels.

6. (historical) An English gold coin made in 1619, and so called because the king's head on it was crowned with laurel.

verb

1. (transitive) To decorate with laurel, especially with a laurel wreath.

2. (transitive) To enwreathe.

3. (transitive, informal) To award top honours to.