bay leaf

noun

: the dried leaf of the European laurel (Laurus nobilis) used in cooking

Examples of bay leaf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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These two herbs, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf are best used when dry, while basil, parsley, chives, tarragon, and cilantro are best used fresh. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025 Remove the pan from the heat, and let the brine cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully pour it into the canning jars (make sure each jar gets a bay leaf). Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025 After those alliums are aromatic and golden brown, deglaze the pot with dry sherry, then add the aforementioned broth and a bay leaf. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025 Many Mediterranean herbs appreciate staying relatively cool during winter, such as rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, savory, oregano, bay leaf, and parsley. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bay leaf 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bay leaf was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near bay leaf

Cite this Entry

“Bay leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bay%20leaf. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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