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.

---

bay leaf British  

noun

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

---

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

Back in 2016, Kelly Conaboy wrote for The Awl: "What does a bay leaf taste like? Nothing. What does a bay leaf smell like? Nothing. What does a bay leaf look like? A leaf."

From Salon • Sep. 13, 2023

Add a big pinch of salt, several black peppercorns, the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 28, 2023

I learned it was a mixture of com, turnips and rice, seasoned with thyme, bay leaf and green peppers.

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin