sweet bay

American  

noun

1. laurel.

2. an American magnolia, Magnolia virginiana, having large oblong leaves and fragrant, white flowers, common on the Atlantic coast.

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sweet bay British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: bay.  a small tree, Magnolia virginiana, of SE North America, having large fragrant white flowers: family Magnoliaceae (magnolias)

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Etymology

Origin of sweet bay

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sweet bay

A flatbed trailer was loaded with scores of potted native trees: Shumard oak, yellow poplar, persimmon, Eastern red cedar, sweet bay magnolia.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 26, 2021

Huge aloes grow in the shade, and the sweet bay and bushes of rosemary make the air fresh and fragrant.

From Views a-foot by Taylor, Bayard

Dick perked up a good deal during his supper of broiled fish, palmetto cabbage and tamarind water, after which Ned made him a tin of tea from the leaves of the sweet bay.

From Dick in the Everglades by Dimock, A. W.

It's made from the leaves of the sweet bay tree, which grows on all these islands and all over this country.

From Dick in the Everglades by Dimock, A. W.

There was the scent of sweet bay in the room, and everywhere the subtle, nameless perfume of the sea.

From In Search of the Unknown by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)