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

Every dish stood out to me, from the onion dip to the steak tartare to the lobster spaghetti. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026

Our statute only provides that derivatives on onions and motion picture box office receipts are excluded from our scope. —Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 June 2026

The meat is combined with a sweet and smoky romesco punctuated with piquillo peppers, Fresno chiles, lemon and lots of charred onions. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

The onions should be tender and lightly browned. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026

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

Rhymes for onion

• trunnion

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