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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Turn the beloved French Dip – roast beef, caramelized onions, creamy provolone cheese – into sliders for a great make-and-take lunch idea. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 14 July 2025 Hannah's Alfredo Veggie Melt: Crunchy Thin Crust, Alfredo sauce, spinach, feta, green peppers, onions, mushrooms and Parmesan/Asiago cheese. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025 On a balcony, on the edge of the subway platform, while chopping an onion with a large, sharp knife. Clare Sestanovich, New Yorker, 13 July 2025 Tuesday, July 22, Ground Beef & Bean Chili with cheese and onion, whole grain cornbread, Romaine salad and tomatoes, mixed fruit, milk. Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for onion

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Onion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onion. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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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