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

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, the remaining lemon zest and juice, and the mint; season with salt and pepper. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 8 Apr. 2025

Use your best quality extra virgin olive oil or a specialty flavor (such as garlic or herb). —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025

Seed oils are high in omega 6, something critics have linked to inflammation, though a 2019 Harvard report dismissed this—while extra virgin olive oil, for example, is higher in omega 3. —Lisa Niven-Phillips, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025

While the thyme is boiling, generously drizzle olive oil over the bread in the soup bowls. —Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for olive oil

• aerofoil
• cinquefoil
• hydrofoil
• quatrefoil
• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil

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