olive

1 of 2

noun

ol·​ive ˈä-liv 

-ləv

1

a

: a Mediterranean evergreen tree (Olea europaea of the family Oleaceae, the olive family) cultivated for its drupaceous fruit that is an important food and source of oil

also : the fruit

b

: any of various shrubs and trees resembling the olive

2

: any of several colors resembling that of the unripe fruit of the olive tree that are yellowish green

3

: an oval eminence on each ventrolateral aspect of the medulla oblongata

olive

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of the color olive or olive green

2

: approaching olive in color or complexion

Examples of olive in a Sentence

Noun

a sauce made with chopped olives

Does the suit come in olive?

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some of my favorites include these knee-high black suede boots that would look sleek worn with a midi skirt or dress and an adorable pair of Ugg olive-green rain boots that come with a removable wool sock. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

Ejae kept it sporty in Asics’ Gel-Quantum Kinetic Pepper/Light Indigo low-top sneakers, which featured a mesh upper in brown and olive tones with dark synthetic overlays, along with Asics’ side stripes marked in light blue and yellow. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Tacapae, then, is his attempt to shift that perception and to elevate Tunisia’s olive heritage. —Annie Daly, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026

At the same time, tonal schemes are gaining traction, Soft greens like olive leaf bring a sense of calm into entertaining spaces while deep hues such as burgundy, forest green, and charcoal add drama without sacrificing elegance. —Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin oliva, from Greek elaia

First Known Use

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing olive

• olive branch
• olive drab
• olive green
• olive oil
• olive ridley
• olive tree
• Russian olive

Kids Definition

olive

noun

ol·​ive

ˈäl-iv, 

-əv

1

: a Mediterranean evergreen tree grown for its fruit

also : the edible fruit of the olive tree that is the source of an oil

2

: a yellowish green

olive adjective

Medical Definition

olive

noun

ol·​ive ˈäl-iv, -əv 

1

: an Old World evergreen tree (Olea europaea of the family Oleaceae, the olive family) cultivated for its drupaceous fruit that is an important food and source of oil

also : the fruit

2

: an oval eminence on each ventrolateral aspect of the medulla oblongata that contains the inferior olive of the same side

called also olivary body