olive

¹

[ ol-iv ]

noun

1. an evergreen tree, Olea europaea, of Mediterranean and other warm regions, cultivated chiefly for its fruit. Compare olive family.
2. the fruit of this tree, a small oval drupe, eaten as a relish and used as a source of oil.
3. Also called olive wood. the wood of this tree, valued for ornamental work.
4. the foliage of this tree.
5. a wreath of it.
6. any of various related or similar trees.
7. olive branch.
8. the ocher green or dull yellow green of the unripe olive fruit.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or made of olives, their foliage, or their fruit.
2. of the color olive.
3. tinged with this color:

   an olive complexion.

Olive

²

[ ol-iv ]

noun

1. a female given name.

olive

/ ˈɒlɪv /

noun

1. an evergreen oleaceous tree, Olea europaea, of the Mediterranean region but cultivated elsewhere, having white fragrant flowers, and edible shiny black fruits
2. the fruit of this plant, eaten as a relish and used as a source of olive oil
3. the wood of the olive tree, used for ornamental work
4. any of various trees or shrubs resembling the olive
5. 1. a yellow-green colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      an olive coat

6. an angler's name for the dun of various mayflies or an artificial fly in imitation of this

adjective

1. of, relating to, or made of the olive tree, its wood, or its fruit

Other Words From

• sub·olive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of olive¹

1150–1200; Middle English < Old French < Latin olīva, by-form of olea < dialectal Greek *elaíwa olive, olive tree; oil, oleaceous

Word History and Origins

Origin of olive¹

C13: via Old French from Latin oliva, related to Greek elaia olive tree; compare Greek elaion oil

Example Sentences

For this recipe, I speed up the process by quick-roasting cherry or grape tomatoes whole with dashes of salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar.

From Washington Post

This simple mash brightens the vegetable’s subtle taste with the addition of lemon zest and juice, and good extra-virgin olive oil adds both fat and flavor.

From Washington Post

This simple mash brightens the vegetable's subtle taste with the addition of lemon zest and juice, and good extra-virgin olive oil adds both fat and flavor.

From Washington Post

Usually, I start with a sheet pan of root vegetables tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.

From Eater

Fold the edges of the pastry around the filling and brush it lightly with the olive oil.

From Washington Post

Rub the loin with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

From The Daily Beast

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.

From The Daily Beast

Add olive oil to the pan and toss in the garlic and chili flake.

From The Daily Beast

The charismatic bearded revolucionario dressed in a dark olive uniform promised to restore order and hold elections.

From The Daily Beast

Before “we” might offer “you” an olive branch, you must offer one to us.

From The Daily Beast

It was deep twilight in the room, and rather cold, for the eucalyptus and olive logs in the fireplace still awaited the match.

From Project Gutenberg

It seems that Mr. Adams would have presented the sword boldly, keeping the olive branch carefully concealed behind his back.

From Project Gutenberg

Burn the male olive-branch and the pine twig and juniper, and let the blazing laurel crackle amid the hearth.

From Project Gutenberg

He wore an olive green coat, yellow waistcoat, and light grey trousers, strapped over his boots.

From Project Gutenberg

He was handsome, with the olive-tinted warmth of his southern homefairly tall, straight-limbed and lithea picture of poetic grace.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• beige
• brownish
• drab
• khaki