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.
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Maeve extends an olive branch in this week's episode of MobLand, which arrives on Paramount+ this Sunday, May 18. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 But this might take more than an olive branch — probably an act of God. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025 What follows is an escalating series of provocations, poorly masked as a generous extending of an olive branch. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025 Trump used the moment to extend an olive branch to Iran and urge its leaders to come to terms with his administration on a deal to curb its nuclear program. Zeke Miller, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Olive branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/olive%20branch. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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

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