# olive

/ˈɑɫəv/ (US) · /ˈɒlɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/olive
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the fruit

noun · CEFR A2

a small, bitter green or black fruit that is often eaten in salads or used to make oil.

For teachers: the small, oval drupe of the Olea europaea, typically cured in brine or pressed for oil.

- She added some sliced black olives to the top of the pizza.
- The chef insisted on using hand-picked Kalamata olives to provide a sharp, salty contrast to the mild feta cheese.

### 2. the tree

noun · CEFR B1

a small tree with thin, silver-green leaves that grows in warm places like the Mediterranean.

For teachers: an evergreen tree of the species Olea europaea, characterized by its longevity and gnarled trunk.

- The hills were covered in ancient olive trees that had lived for centuries.
- The estate features a sprawling grove of olive trees, some of which are estimated to be over five hundred years old.

### 3. the color

adjective · CEFR B1

having a dark, yellowish-green color like an unripe olive.

For teachers: denoting a dark yellowish-green color, specifically that of an unripe olive fruit.

- He wore an olive jacket that matched his dark hair.
- The interior designer recommended an olive palette for the study to create a grounded, organic atmosphere.

### 4. plumbing part

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Technical

a small metal ring used in plumbing to help join two pipes together tightly.

For teachers: a compression ring used in plumbing joints to create a watertight seal between a nut and a pipe.

- The plumber replaced the copper olive to stop the leak under the sink.
- Ensure the olive is seated squarely on the pipe before tightening the compression nut to avoid damaging the joint.

Usage: Commonly used in British English plumbing contexts; American English speakers typically use 'ferrule'.

## Examples

- She adds a few black olives to the salad.
- The chef drizzles extra virgin olive oil over the roasted vegetables to enhance their flavor.
- Ancient groves of olive trees still dot the Mediterranean landscape, serving as both a vital agricultural resource and a symbol of peace and endurance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.