Laurel Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of LAUREL

1

[count, noncount]

:

an evergreen tree or bush with shiny pointed leaves

• laurel leaves
• wearing a crown/wreath of laurel [=a crown/wreath made from laurel leaves that was awarded and worn around the head as a symbol of honor in ancient Greece]

2

laurels

[plural]

:

honor or fame given for some achievement

• They enjoyed the laurels of their military victory.
• The player earned his laurels from years of hard work.

look to your laurels

chiefly British

:

to work in order to keep your success or position

• If she performs this well in the championships, her rivals will have to look to their laurels.

rest/sit on your laurels

:

to be satisfied with past success and do nothing to achieve further success

• Although she won the championship, she isn't resting on her laurels. She is training hard to become even better next year.