olive oil

noun

: a pale yellow to yellowish-green nondrying oil that is obtained from olives, is high in monounsaturated fat, and is used chiefly as a salad oil and in cooking

Examples of olive oil in a Sentence

a teaspoon of olive oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Think finishing salt, olive oil, a box of candies, or a small jar of local honey. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 June 2026 Weekend brunch features dishes such as pork in salsa roja with rice, plus olive oil cake with sour cream and preserves. — Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Thinly slice the tomatoes themselves for the red addition to the salad, and use the oil for the salad dressing — no need to pull out a bottle of olive oil. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 2026 Foods with natural oils or fats, like olive oil, whole grains, and nut butters, are especially vulnerable to heat damage. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for olive oil

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of olive oil was in 1566

Rhymes for olive oil

See All Rhymes for olive oil

Browse Nearby Words

olivenite
olive oil
olive-oil castile soap
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Olive oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/olive%20oil. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

olive oil

noun
: a pale yellow to yellowish green oil obtained from the pulp of olives and used especially as a salad oil, in cooking, and in soaps

Medical Definition

olive oil

noun
: a pale yellow to yellowish green edible oil obtained from the pulp of olives that is high in monounsaturated fatty acids and is used chiefly as a salad oil and in cooking, in toilet soaps, and as an emollient

More from Merriam-Webster on olive oil

Nglish: Translation of olive oil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about olive oil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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