One honored or awarded a prize for great achievements especially in the arts or sciences: a Nobel laureate. 2. A poet laureate. [Middle English, from Latin laureātus, adorned with laurel, from laurea, crown of laurel, from feminine of laureus, of laurel, from laurus, laurel.] lau′re·ate·ship′ n.

What does being a laureate mean?

: the recipient of honor or recognition for achievement in an art or science a Nobel laureate specifically : poet laureate. laureate.

What does a laureate do?

A poet laureate (plural: poets laureate) is a poet officially appointed by a government or conferring institution, typically expected to compose poems for special events and occasions.