onion

noun

on·​ion ˈən-yən How to pronounce onion (audio)
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 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 Color eggs naturally Color eggs with natural dyes, like onion skins, red cabbage, and more. Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2024 Transfer onions to a bowl and return the skillet to the heat. 5. Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024 Within the last year, there have been outbreaks of Salmonella linked to flour, diced onions, and ground beef. Julia Landwehr, Health, 19 Mar. 2024 And storing onions in the refrigerator can dampen their flavor, Le said. Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 Add the onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until soft. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 16 Mar. 2024 The company, which started in 2015 and sells itself as a meal kit service, is closer to an online grocery store than a place that’s going to send you half an onion wrapped in plastic and a tiny baggy of cumin to make some so-so tacos or a random stir fry. Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 12 Mar. 2024 Their taste replicates that of regular green onions but Egyptian onions are perennial. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024 Once the ground beef is cooked to medium-rare, add the sauteed onions and meat mixture. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'onion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of onion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near onion

Cite this Entry

“Onion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onion. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

onion

noun
on·​ion ˈən-yən How to pronounce onion (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on onion

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