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

When the potatoes have cooled, add chicken, yellow pepper and onion. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 20 July 2024

Boudin is traditionally a blend of cooked pork, rice, onions, peppers and seasonings stuffed into a casing. —Chesnie Wardell, Journal Sentinel, 18 July 2024

Its special-occasion Sonoran-style hot dogs (which are often bacon-wrapped and topped with beans, salsa, onions and sauces) will come with a particular bread Torres sources from Oklahoma City. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2024

This perennial herb has flatter leaves than onion chives and pretty white flowers, which bloom in mid to late summer. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 July 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