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laurel

low-RELL/lauˈɾel/

“laurel” means “bay leaf” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

bay leaf, laurel

Also: bay tree
NounmA2
A single dried green bay leaf resting on a clean wooden surface.

📝 In Action

Pon una hoja de laurel en la salsa para que tenga más sabor.

A2

Put a bay leaf in the sauce so it has more flavor.

El jardín tiene un seto de laurel muy alto.

B1

The garden has a very tall laurel hedge.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • lauro (laurel (poetic))

Common Collocations

  • hoja de laurel – bay leaf
  • corona de laurel – laurel wreath

laurels, glory

NounmB2
A circular crown made of green leaves, representing victory.

📝 In Action

Después de ganar el premio, no se durmió en sus laureles y siguió trabajando.

B2

After winning the prize, he didn't rest on his laurels and kept working.

El equipo regresó con los laureles del triunfo.

C1

The team returned with the honors of victory.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • gloria (glory)
  • triunfo (triumph)
  • éxito (success)

Idioms & Expressions

  • dormirse en los laureles – To stop trying hard because you are satisfied with what you already achieved.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "laurel" in Spanish:

bay leaf→bay tree→glory→laurel→laurels→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: laurel

Question 1 of 1

What are you doing if you 'te duermes en los laureles'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
laureado(award-winning) — Adjective
laurear(to award or honor) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'laurus,' which refers to the same plant. In ancient Greece and Rome, crowns made of these leaves were given to heroes and winners.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: laurelFrench: laurierItalian: alloro

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'laurel' the same as a bay leaf used in cooking?

Yes! In Spanish, 'laurel' refers to both the tree and the specific leaf you use to season food.

Is it 'el laurel' or 'la laurel'?

It is always masculine: 'el laurel'.