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.
Miremadi also recommends roasting the seeds with sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Preparation Heat ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026 In the highlands, people traditionally cooked with lard, Buettner said, while Bolotana residents use olive oil from ancient trees. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The much more specific official tasting notes include flavors like grassy olive oil, maple walnut ice cream, green grape, and root beer barrels. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about olive oil

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