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.
To be precise: bison liver pate with sweet onion jam on a puffed garlic chip. Miguel Otárola, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025 Add the tomatoes, onion, and celery; cook, stirring often, until tomatoes and onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Yvette Zuniga Jemison, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025 The menu also includes five burger options, which can be piled high with add-on toppings including bacon, grilled onions or peppers, jalapenos and even chili to customize your meal. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2025 Firm cubes of cheese are cooked with onions and red bell peppers, simmered in a creamy tomato sauce full of warm spices. Arika Herron, Axios, 27 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near onion

Cite this Entry

“Onion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onion. Accessed 2 Feb. 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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