olive oil

noun

: a pale yellow to yellowish-green nondrying oil that is obtained from olives, is high in monounsaturated fat, and is used chiefly as a salad oil and in cooking

Examples of olive oil in a Sentence

a teaspoon of olive oil

Recent Examples on the Web

Many people combine elements of both, such as eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, using olive oil, choosing fish more often, and keeping sodium intake in check, to get the benefits of each. —Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 8 Jan. 2026

Yet the new guidelines’ inclusion of red meat and animal fats contradict decades’ worth of past recommendations and scientific evidence that had directed people to eat less saturated fats and more unsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2026

The new guidelines also recommend olive oil, butter or beef tallow for preparing meals. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and ground pepper. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for olive oil

• aerofoil
• cinquefoil
• hydrofoil
• quatrefoil
• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil

Kids Definition

olive oil

noun

: a pale yellow to yellowish green oil obtained from the pulp of olives and used especially as a salad oil, in cooking, and in soaps

Medical Definition

olive oil

noun

: a pale yellow to yellowish green edible oil obtained from the pulp of olives that is high in monounsaturated fatty acids and is used chiefly as a salad oil and in cooking, in toilet soaps, and as an emollient