laurel
n. C / Un. an evergreen tree with shiny leaves that people used to make crowns for winners in ancient times. Today, it is often used to talk about honor or success.
n. an aromatic evergreen shrub or tree with glossy leaves, historically used to weave wreaths for victors. Often used figuratively in the plural to represent honor, distinction, or past achievements.
The winner wore a crown made of laurel leaves.
The poet was honored with a laurel wreath during the ceremony to celebrate his lifetime of work.
The retired general was warned not to rest on his laurels, as the political landscape required active engagement rather than reliance on past victories.
Countable when referring to the plant; typically plural ('laurels') when used figuratively to mean honors or achievements.