onion

noun

on·​ion ˈən-yən 

plural onions

1

: a widely cultivated Asian herbaceous plant (Allium cepa) of the amaryllis family that has a pungent edible bulb and that is closely related to the garlic, chive, and leek

also : its bulb

2

: any of various usually ornamental alliums (such as Allium amplectens or A. caeruleum) related to the onion

oniony

ˈən-yə-nē 

adjective

an oniony flavor

oniony meatloaf

Examples of onion in a Sentence

The recipe calls for chopped onions.

He is growing onions in the garden this year.

The recipe calls for chopped onion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Aunt Petunia’s secret ingredient, in addition to the potatoes, oil, salt and onions, is love. —Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024

Avocados, apples, bananas, peaches, tomatoes, and onions will shorten your potatoes’ lifespan. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

The beet Gibson sees gin and vermouth complemented by beet and pickled onion, while the Chelsea sour highlights a bourbon base with notes of apricot, miso, and lemon. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024

The issue with its espresso machines is the latest headache for the chain still on the mend following a deadly E. coli outbreak likely linked to slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounders. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French oignon, from Latin union-, unio

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing onion

• Bermuda onion
• green onion
• onion dome
• onion ring
• pearl onion
• sea onion
• Spanish onion
• spring onion

Kids Definition

onion

noun

on·​ion ˈən-yən 

: a widely grown Asian herb related to the lilies and having edible bulbs that have a sharp odor and taste and are used as a vegetable and to season foods

also : its bulb