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

Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Both the Classic and Bacon Melt are topped with American cheese and caramelized onion, with the only difference being bacon. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2024

Lehto’s offers beef, chicken and vegetable pasties that include potato, onion and rutabaga (a hallmark of a true pasty) in the filling. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 15 Dec. 2024

Signature sandwiches include: The Buck: Prosciutto, capicola, mojo sauce, and roasted sweet onions. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 13 Dec. 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