What did the dove bring back to Noah as evidence that the floodwaters had receded?

The dove brought Noah a freshly plucked olive leaf as evidence that the floodwaters had receded.

Genesis 8:10–11 describes Noah waiting seven days before sending the dove out again. On its return, the bird carried a newly plucked olive leaf, showing that vegetation had reappeared above the waters. Noah then waited another seven days and sent the dove out once more; it did not return.

The olive leaf became one of the best-known symbols associated with the flood story. In later art, literature, and public culture, a dove carrying an olive branch or leaf commonly represents peace, reconciliation, and hope.

The passage does not say that the entire earth was already dry when the leaf arrived. It gives a specific sign that plant life was available, while the ground was still in the process of becoming habitable. That distinction explains why Noah continued waiting before leaving the ark.