bay leaf

American  

[bey leef] / ˈbeɪ ˌlif /

noun

1. the dried leaf of the bay laurel, Laurus nobilis, used in cooking.

2. the leaf of the bayberry, Pimenta racemosa, used in making bay oil and bay rum.

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bay leaf British  

noun

1. a leaf, usually dried, of the Mediterranean laurel, Laurus nobilis , used in cooking to flavour soups and stews

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Etymology

Origin of bay leaf

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

Generous hunks of vanilla bean dot her lemon marmalade; bay leaf infuses her blackberry jam.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

Add salt and optional seasoning ingredients like celery leaves and bay leaf and bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat and simmer low until done, about 45 to 50 minutes.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2025

If you'd really like to see just what a bay leaf actually tastes like and contributes to a dish, try steeping it in water.

From Salon • Sep. 13, 2023

First you make a stock by simmering bone-in chicken thighs, leeks, carrot, celery, salt and a bay leaf in water for about an hour and a half.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2023

His father’s plate is polished clean, the chicken bones denuded of cartilage and chewed to a pinkish pulp, the bay leaf and cinnamon stick as good as new.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri