sweet bay

noun

1
2
: a magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) of the eastern U.S. that has fragrant white flowers and leaves with glaucous undersides

Examples of sweet bay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
For dessert, the subtly sweet bay leaf slice ($12) has an ethereal texture that falls somewhere between cake and cheesecake. Elena Kadvany, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2023 Temperature: 65º - 70ºF 2 Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) SHOP NOW The leaves of this sweet bay leaf tree are often used as seasoning in soups, stews and pasta sauces. Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 28 Mar. 2023 Fenderbosch noted the status of the city as a Tree USA City and that the sweet bay magnolia will be designated as the Arbor Tree 2021. Linda Gandee, cleveland, 26 Apr. 2021 Handfuls of shrimp, clams, mussels, crab claws, sweet bay oysters and half of a Maine lobster go into the kettle. Michael Hiller, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sweet bay was in 1716

Dictionary Entries Near sweet bay

Cite this Entry

“Sweet bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweet%20bay. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sweet bay

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!