Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun plural An honor or honors conferred for some notable achievement.
  • noun plural [fig.] to be content with one's past achievements and not strive to continue to excel.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Plural form of laurel.
  • noun Honors. From the Ancient Greek practice of crowning victors with a branch from the laurel bush, sacred to Apollo.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
  • noun the state of being honored

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • The flashing of torches and the beautiful radiance of blue lights (technically, Bengal lights) upon the heads of our horses; the fine effect of such a showery and ghostly illumination falling upon our flowers and glittering laurels [Footnote: "_Glittering laurels_": -- I must observe that the colour of _green_ suffers almost a spiritual change and exaltation under the effect of Bengal lights.]; whilst all around ourselves, that formed a centre of light, the darkness gathered on the rear and flanks in massy blackness: these optical splendours, together with the prodigious enthusiasm of the people, composed a picture at once scenical and affecting, theatrical and holy.

    The English Mail-Coach and Joan of Arc Thomas De Quincey 1822

  • The writers for this episode certainly don't rest on their laurels from the season opener.

    July 2009 2009

  • On the day that the PLP seeks to wrap itself in laurels of humanitarianism, their Government admits that there are still no funds to replace the decrepit and wholly inadequate homeless shelter in Bermuda.

    Global Voices in English » Bermuda: Guantanamo Protest 2009

  • The writers for this episode certainly don't rest on their laurels from the season opener.

    Stargate SG-1 Watchathon - 'In The Line Of Duty' (S02E02) 2009

  • To help fight complacency, Saints coach Sean Payton organized this symbolic burial (above and below) of the team's collective trophies and laurels from the 2006 season near the team's practice field.

    Brees becomes new patron Saint in New Orleans 2007

  • When it does, it will exhibit characteristic Olmsted features: tangled rhododendrons and disheveled mountain laurels mixed with evergreen shrubs, surrounding a curved swath of turf — hardly the Sheep Meadow of Central Park, but a pleasing choreography of greens.

    A Brand-New Olmsted 2001

  • When it does, it will exhibit characteristic Olmsted features: tangled rhododendrons and disheveled mountain laurels mixed with evergreen shrubs, surrounding a curved swath of turf — hardly the Sheep Meadow of Central Park, but a pleasing choreography of greens.

    A Brand-New Olmsted 2001

  • Lee on the other hand, will be stuck with the primadona principal, the useless superintendent, and a school board who sits on their b u t t s they call laurels and allow more of the same to go on for years to come.

    unknown title 2009

  • -- of Michelle Malkin's "In Defense of Internment," which, notwithstanding its ignorance and falsification of both domestic and military history, has garnered (equally ignorant) laurels from the right.

    IsThatLegal? 2004

  • The other sort of band that gets high critical laurels is less radically innovative, but (to borrow Malcolm Gladwell’s terminology) “tweaks” recent innovations, polishing them and making them palatable to a broader audience.

    This Post Is SO Overrated 2007

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