noun / adjective
laureate
LOR-ee-ut/ˈlɔːriət/
A person honored for outstanding achievement, or describing such a person.
The young laureate receives a prestigious medal beside her sculpture.
Etymology
A laureate was literally crowned with laurels, an emblem of victory or poetic distinction. The title expanded from honored poets to other recognized achievers, including Nobel prize winners.
In context
Now, she's here to honor Polar Music Prize laureate Sting. Please welcome the one and only Annie Lennox.
More examples
- A Nobel laureate answers questions from science students.
- The state's poet laureate writes a poem for the anniversary.
- This year's laureates include a novelist and a medical researcher.
Forms
laureate · laureates
Similar words
- honoree
- Honoree refers to anyone recognized, not necessarily for outstanding achievement.
- prizewinner
- Prizewinner specifies winning a prize rather than receiving another distinction.