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.
Complex, which blends five ingredients including olive oil, olive squalane and ceramide NP to support skin moisture and barrier strength. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Drizzle with olive oil and toss with generous pinches of salt and pepper. — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 Monounsaturated fats can promote a feeling of fullness and are found in foods like olive oil, avocados, walnuts, butter and cheese. — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The Skull Caprese has barely any ingredients (cheese, tomatoes, Balsamic, olive oil, salt, pepper and basil). — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 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 20 Oct. 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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