olive

1 of 2

noun

ol·​ive ˈä-liv How to pronounce olive (audio)
-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
Crème de brie, prosciutto, carrot sticks, grapes, olives, and fig jam with woven wheat crackers. Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 22 Mar. 2024 Grab a pair in sizes 5 through 11 and three colors with varying discounts: natural, olive, and black. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024 This balm includes chamomile and calendula to soothe skin, while sunflower seed, olive, and coconut oils work with shea butter to nourish and moisturize skin. Tanya Edwards, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 Pepperoni is a classic choice, or opt for the pimento grove, a vodka sauced pizza topped with olives, ‘nduja and cheese. Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 On the West Bank, anger over the war is compounded by the systematic violence of Israeli settlers who have assaulted Palestinians, driven some from their homes, and prevented others from harvesting their olives and grazing their sheep. Martin Indyk, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 The house Martini features garlic-bread vodka made in-house and extra-large olives, while the Belmar Special turns an espresso Martini into a highball. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 Stir in the olives, thyme and oregano sprigs, and season with salt and black pepper. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Choose from colors like deep red and olive in sizes S–XL. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024
Adjective
You’ll finally be treated to a traditional Greek lunch with the bounty from the property on a scenic terrace that overlooks their olive groves and the sea. Jeanine Barone, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Livestock has been stolen, olive groves uprooted and burned. Roger Cohen, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2024 Nestled halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the state's central coast lies a vast rolling countryside speckled with vineyards, olive groves, farms, and ranches. Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2024 Extremist settlers have vandalized and uprooted olive groves, physically attacked Palestinian farmers and harassed residents. Shakked Auerbach, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2024 Its bedrooms can accommodate up to 18 guests in total, the infinity saltwater pool can be heated, and the property includes ancient vineyards, olive groves, and woodlands. Ann Abel, Robb Report, 19 Dec. 2023 The blue color is denim-like, but there are also prints, like leopard and camo, plus the olive ones remind us of Kate Middleton’s cargo jeans. Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 12 Nov. 2023 With expansive olive groves and rolling vineyards, this hotel has both style and beautiful natural surroundings. Michelle Gross, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2023 And American consumers have long associated it with bologna and other unfashionable cold cuts like olive loaf and head cheese — mysterious meats of dubious appeal to modern tastes. Julia Moskin, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'olive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of olive was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near olive

Cite this Entry

“Olive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/olive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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 How to pronounce olive (audio)
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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