olive oil

American  

noun

1. an oil expressed from the olive fruit, used in cooking, in salad dressings, in medicine, etc.

---

olive oil British  

noun

1. a pale yellow oil pressed from ripe olive fruits and used in cooking, medicines, soaps, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of olive oil

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Matijevich suggests starting with an olive oil base when storing garlic, whether it’s peeled cloves, chopped, or minced.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

The findings showed clear differences depending on the type of olive oil consumed.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Extra virgin olive oil is obtained using mechanical methods, which help preserve its natural compounds.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

I’m cutting up a bunch of garlic, I’m using a bunch of olive oil, and I’m using a bunch of different seasonings, and whatever happens, happens and in the end, it’ll be tasty.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Twenty minutes later, I’m pretending to eat paella but really eating more bread dipped in olive oil than paella.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King