Is Laurel Same As Bay Leaf?

I've been told that the Laurel bush is the bay Leaf in herbs. Is this right or is this some wives tale?

"Laurel" can refer to the bay leaf (Laurus nobilis). But "laurel" is not just bay leaf; laurel can also refer to other plants such as the mountain laurel (Kalmia spp.). It is important to know which you are referring to because mountain laurel is not edible.