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

On Monday she said: "I cannot discuss the terms of the settlement, but generally I am glad that my employer has finally decided to extend an olive branch to me."

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Strangely, he also wanted the track to be an olive branch to Metallica.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

The back features a genie’s lamp resting on an open book and a feathered quill with an olive branch in the background—symbols of peace, knowledge and learning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Colombia abruptly agreed to accept US deportation flights on Friday, an olive branch days before the countries' dueling presidents meet face-to-face for the first time, at the White House.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

I hold up my hands in a gesture of surrender, and then hold out my hand—an olive branch.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven

Related Words

• overture