olives

word · lemma: olive

/ˈɑɫɪvz/
AH-livz
/ˈɒlɪvz/
O-livz

Definition

Small, oval fruits that grow on olive trees, often green or black, and commonly eaten whole or used to make olive oil.

Usage & Nuances

"Olives" is always used in the plural when talking about the food; "olive" can refer to one unit or the color. Common collocations: "green olives", "black olives", "stuffed olives". Sometimes called "table olives" when eaten as food.

Example Sentences

Green olives taste different from black olives.

basic

"Can you pass me those olives? They look so good!"

natural

My dad can't stand olives, but my mom loves them.

natural

"I always pick the olives off my salad — just not my thing."

natural

We put olives on the pizza.

basic

I like to eat olives with bread.

basic