bay leaf

[ bey leef ]

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.

bay leaf

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bay leaf¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

Use the water you used to boil potatoes and add a bay leaf for more flavor.

From Washington Post

Add the beans, chipotle, kombu or epazote, cumin, bay leaf, and just enough water to cover, about four to five cups.

From Outside Online

Add the butter, chicken stock, salt, bay leaf, thyme, and tarragon and bring to a simmer.

From The Daily Beast

Add the wine, beef bones, bay leaf, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.

From The Daily Beast

Reduce the alcohol down by two thirds along with the peppercorns, thyme and bay leaf.

From The Daily Beast

Put this over the fire in a saucepan with the sliced onion, the bay leaf, and the cloves.

From Project Gutenberg

Pour this into the hot mixture, remove the bay leaf, and cook until the mixture thickens.

From Project Gutenberg

Put one quart of milk into a double boiler; add to it a bay leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

Boil the piece of salmon for half an hour with the parsley, garlic, sage and bay leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

Cut onion and turnip fine and put in a muslin bag with bay leaf, peppercorns and celery leaves.

From Project Gutenberg