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

Pickle some onions with the floral wallop of habaneros and the lift of salt mixed with lime zest and that there watermelon becomes a new creature. —Scott Hocker, theweek, 24 June 2024

How about New York-style pushcart onion sauce, Chicago-style sport peppers and a teriyaki glaze atop a frank in a hoagie roll? —Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 24 June 2024

In addition, the sweetness of honey compliments the nuances of the onions and dill. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 20 June 2024

Stir egg mixture into onion in skillet and place in oven. —Andrews McMeel Syndication, arkansasonline.com, 19 June 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