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

White onion: Fresh white onion is a bit more mild and sweet than other varieties of onion. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2024

Aldina Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Short Ribs and a Mole Sauce. · Aldina Rosé of Cabernet paired with Fried Pork Belly, with puree of avocado and pickled red onions topping. —Liz Thach, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

The Italian tuna salad with punchy capers and tart lemon is topped with julienned shiso, red onion, romaine and tomatoes. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024

This knife didn’t lose its edge and aced all of our cutting tests, from paper to onions. —Lizzy Briskin, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 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