Laurel
/ˈlɒr.əl/noun
An evergreen tree or shrub with aromatic leaves, especially the bay laurel, and its leaves used as a symbol of honor or victory.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, laurel was sacred to Apollo, and priests and seers used it in ritual contexts because the tree was believed to carry his prophetic authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰeh₁-
“A root meaning 'to put, place, do' that lies behind the Greek nymph name Daphne, though the laurel word itself later became tied to the tree through Greek tradition rather than direct PIE inheritance.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
δάφνη (dáphnē)
“Laurel tree, bay tree.”
Latin
Latin
laurus
“Laurel tree, bay laurel.”
Old French
Old French
laurier
“Laurel tree; bay tree.”
Middle English
English
laurer / laurel
“The laurel tree and, by extension, a wreath or emblem of victory.”
Modern English
English
laurel
“The laurel tree or a crown of leaves representing honor or achievement.”