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
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.
How Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has dominated President Trump's agenda Rubio offers Musk an olive branch after reported Cabinet showdown Real quick From politics to podcasts. — Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 If one person offers an olive branch, but the other refuses to take it, tension will only linger. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Reports this week claimed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had prohibited the development of a nuclear weapon in an apparent olive branch to Trump, though Fox News Digital could not independently confirm this. — Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025 That was just one day after Trump's inauguration, but the possible olive branch does not necessarily mean that nuclear activity will stop. — Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for olive branch

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

Rhymes for olive branch

See All Rhymes for olive branch

Browse Nearby Words

olive-backed thrush
olive branch
olive brown
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Olive branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/olive%20branch. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

olive branch

noun
1
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on olive branch

Nglish: Translation of olive branch for Spanish Speakers

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