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

Foods with natural oils or fats, like olive oil, whole grains, and nut butters, are especially vulnerable to heat damage. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026

Designated the European region of gastronomy for 2026, Crete is home to one quarter of the 120 million olive trees in Greece, from which liquid gold olive oil—almost exclusively of the health-rich, high-phenolic extra virgin variety—is wrought. — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026

Weekend brunch features dishes such as pork in salsa roja with rice, plus olive oil cake with sour cream and preserves. — Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Generously brush vegetables with olive oil or melted butter before grilling to prevent sticking. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 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