noun

1. any of a genus (Laurus) of evergreen trees or shrubs of the laurel family, native to S Europe and widely cultivated in the U.S., with large, glossy, aromatic leaves, greenish-yellow flowers, and black berries; specif., the poet's laurel (L. nobilis)
2. the foliage of this tree, esp. as woven into wreaths such as those used by the ancient Greeks to crown the victors in various contests
3. 1. fame; honor
   2. victory
4. any of various trees and shrubs resembling the true laurel, as the mountain laurel, cherry laurel, or California laurel

Etymology: ME laurer, lorel < OFr lorier < L laurus

adjective

transitive verb laureled -·reled or laurelled -·relled, laureling -·rel·ing or laurelling -·rel·ling

1. to crown with laurel
2. to honor