First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
onion
noun on·ion \ˈən-yən\
: a round vegetable that is usually white, yellow, or red and has a strong smell and taste
Full Definition of ONION
1
: a widely cultivated Asian herb (Allium cepa) of the lily family with pungent edible bulbs; also : its bulb
2
: any of various plants of the same genus as the onion
— on·iony \-yə-nē\ adjective
See onion defined for English-language learners
See onion defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ONION
Middle English, from Anglo-French oignon, from Latin union-, unio
ONIONY Defined for Kids
onion
noun on·ion \ˈən-yən\
Definition of ONION for Kids
: the roundish edible bulb of a plant related to the lily that has a sharp odor and taste and is used as a vegetable and to season foods
Learn More About ONION
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up onion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).