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olive branch
noun
1
: a branch of the olive tree especially when used as a symbol of peace
2
: an offer or gesture of conciliation or goodwill
Examples of olive branch in a Sentence
The winner extended an olive branch to his opponent by calling him a great player.
Recent Examples on the Web
In some corners of the world, an olive branch brings more hostility instead of less.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 25 Nov. 2024
What’s more, Musk’s apparent olive branch is a marked departure from his views on the Soros family so far.
—Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2024
Miss Quad is full of surprises while extending birthday party invitations and olive branches to the ladies after a rollercoaster friendship journey.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024
Rarely, if ever, at Trump's events does the candidate or any of the other speakers offer an olive branch to Democrats or people who voted for in 2020.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for olive branch
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Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of olive branch was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near olive branch
Cite this Entry
“Olive branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/olive%20branch. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
olive branch
noun1
: a branch of the olive tree especially when used as a symbol of peace
2
: something meant to show intentions of peace or goodwill
made a call to his former friend as an olive branch
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