olive branch

American  

[ol-iv branch] / ˈɒl ɪv ˌbræntʃ /

noun

1. a branch of the olive tree as an emblem of peace.

   One of their national emblems is a white dove clutching the olive branch of peace.

2. any token of peace.

   The new prime minister has pursued a reconciliation strategy, extending an olive branch to dissidents and rebel groups.

   Still in a snit, she snubbed his olive branch a few days later by blocking his phone call.

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olive branch British  

noun

1. a branch of an olive tree used to symbolize peace

2. any offering of peace or conciliation

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olive branch Cultural  

1. The branch brought by a dove to Noah's ark signifying that the flood was receding.

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olive branch Idioms  

1. A symbol of peace, an offering of good will, as in They feuded for years, but finally the Hatfields came over bearing an olive branch. This term is alluded to in the Bible (Genesis 8:11), where the dove comes to Noah after the flood with an olive leaf in its mouth. [c. 1600]

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Discover More

An olive branch is now regarded as a sign of peace, as is the dove. (See hawks and doves.)

Etymology

Origin of olive branch

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

olive branch

This support from Buckingham Palace is likely to be seen as an olive branch, helping Prince Harry with his sports events for injured service men and women.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

Bonta abruptly canceled settlement talks last week, but extended an olive branch to Paramount by saying he would be willing to meet with the company to discuss ways to address his antitrust concerns.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

Once back in Britain, royal watchers say, there will be growing pressure for William to extend an olive branch to his younger brother while their father, who is 77, continues to undergo treatment for cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

Pope Leo extended an olive branch to them last October by celebrating mass in Latin at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

Somehow the olive branch she’d extended had turned into a snake and bitten her.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs

Related Words

• overture