cherry laurel

[ cher-ee lawr-uhl, lor- ]

noun

1. Also called English laurel. a rosaceous evergreen shrub or small tree, Prunus laurocerasus, of Eurasia, having clusters of white flowers and dark purple fruit.
2. laurel cherry.

cherry laurel

noun

1. a Eurasian rosaceous evergreen shrub, Prunus laurocerasus, having glossy aromatic leaves, white flowers, and purplish-black fruits

Word History and Origins

Origin of cherry laurel¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

It’s a jaunty forest green cottage surrounded by cherry laurels, with a meditation room for the practicing Buddhist and a statue of St. Francis on the back porch that survived the flames.

From Los Angeles Times

If I see a rat snake climbing the cherry laurel, I’m obliged to let the snake go on its way, knowing it will eat the baby redbirds hidden in a nest deep in the greenery.

From New York Times

If the Tidal Basin were planted with cherry laurel instead of cherry trees, well, there would be no tour buses flocking to the Cherry Laurel Festival.

From Washington Post

Local greenery, like bayberry, cherry laurel, river birch, lavender, juniper and switchgrass, separates white picnic-style tables in this restaurant’s spacious garden.

From New York Times

The damage can be particularly conspicuous on broadleaf evergreens, and expect to see various degrees of injury on azaleas, rhododendrons, some hollies, aucubas, cherry laurels, nandinas and camellias, to name the most obvious.

From Washington Post