olive branch

noun

1
: a branch of the olive tree especially when used as a symbol of peace
2
: an offer or gesture of conciliation or goodwill

Examples of olive branch in a Sentence

The winner extended an olive branch to his opponent by calling him a great player.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Roosevelt dime, which has been circulated since 1946, features his profile on the front and a torch, olive branch and oak branch on the back to represent liberty, peace and strength. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026 Barring a mini-miracle olive branch from the committee, Virginia Tech will not hear its name called on Selection Sunday. Jim Root, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026 Critics have criticized its lack of olive branches. Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2026 The olive branch has anchored American iconography for 250 years—its absence from the very coin marking that anniversary is a curious choice, if not a telling one. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for olive branch

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of olive branch was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Olive branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/olive%20branch. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

olive branch

noun
1
: a branch of the olive tree especially when used as a symbol of peace
2
: something meant to show intentions of peace or goodwill
made a call to his former friend as an olive branch

More from Merriam-Webster on olive branch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster