olive branch

[ol-iv branch]

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.

olive branch

noun

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

2. any offering of peace or conciliation

olive branch

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of olive branch¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Related Words

• overture