true laurel

6.8

A small evergreen tree from the Mediterranean with glossy fragrant leaves used to flavor food and for wreaths

noun
/tru ˈlɔːrəl/

: laurel verdadero

Fresh true laurel leaves are often used to flavor soups and stews in Mediterranean cuisine.

Examples

In ancient Greece, athletes were crowned with a wreath made from true laurel branches.
The garden boasts a mature true laurel tree, prized for both its beauty and culinary uses.
The chef added true laurel to the stew.
I bought some fresh true laurels from the market.
Fresh true laurel leaves are often used to flavor soups and stews in Mediterranean cuisine.
In ancient Greece, athletes were crowned with a wreath made from true laurel branches.
The garden boasts a mature true laurel tree, prized for both its beauty and culinary uses.

Synonyms

bay

vstrue laurel

13 5.3

A small evergreen tree with glossy leaves used to add flavour to food

is the more exact traditional term rather than this casual word

laurel

vstrue laurel

4 5.6

An evergreen tree or shrub with shiny leaves used in cooking and decoration

is limited to the specific culinary Mediterranean species

Laurus nobilis

vstrue laurel

Specialized

7.0

A small evergreen tree from the Mediterranean whose shiny leaves are used as bay leaves in cooking

is the familiar common name rather than the scientific label

bay tree

vstrue laurel

4.0

A small evergreen tree with shiny leaves used to add flavor to food

is the shorter everyday name instead of this specifying phrase

bay laurel

vstrue laurel

5.5

A small evergreen tree with shiny scented leaves used in cooking and for making wreaths

is the regular label without extra family emphasis

Surface Forms

true laurel singular

true laurels plural

Morphology

true + laurel

The phrase combines 'true' (genuine) with 'laurel' (an evergreen plant), so its core meaning — the genuine/laurel plant — is directly derivable from the parts. A B1 learner who knows both words would understand this refers to the actual laurel species, though specific botanical or historical details (e.g., Mediterranean Laurus nobilis) are extra information.

Etymology

True laurel is a small evergreen tree whose shiny, scented leaves were used in cooking and whose branches were made into wreaths for 'victory' in ancient Greece. So, true laurel today means the real tree used to flavour food and as a sign of honour.