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Oliver

American  
[ol-uh-ver] / ˈɒl ə vər /

noun

  1. one of the 12 paladins of Charlemagne.

  2. Joseph King, 1885?–1938, U.S. cornet player, bandleader, and composer: pioneer in jazz.

  3. a male given name.


Oliver British  
/ ˈɒlɪvə /

noun

  1. one of Charlemagne's 12 paladins See also Roland

  2. Isaac. ?1556–1617, English portrait miniaturist, born in France: he studied under Hilliard and worked at James I's court

  3. Jamie ( Trevor ). born 1975, British chef and presenter of television cookery programmes

  4. Joseph, known as King Oliver. 1885–1938, US pioneer jazz cornetist

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Oliver Wyman’s Kenneth Chow said cheaper overseas destinations and favorable travel policies have been successful in luring Chinese consumers abroad.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

“So much of karaoke is about getting into character and letting go of the day, so we had the idea to sell the wigs,” says Oliver.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Former Labour councillor Oliver Steadman has pleaded not guilty to blackmail at Southwark Crown Court in connection with the alleged 'honeytrap' plot targeting men involved in Westminster politics.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Bell in an opinion written by no less a figure than Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

As Grandma parked and I climbed out of the car, Oliver emerged from the house.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows