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Definition of nodding onion
nodding onion
Plural:nodding onions
nodding onion Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
North American A perennial wild onion species (Allium cernuum) native to North America, characterized by its distinctive downward-drooping cluster of pink or white flowers and an edible, strongly scented bulb.
Example
"During our hike through the Appalachian meadows, we spotted a patch of nodding onion blooming beautifully along the rocky slope."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for nodding onion• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Named for its distinctive umbel (flower cluster) which bends downward sharply at the top of the stem, making the flowers appear to 'nod.' Its scientific name is Allium cernuum, derived from the Latin 'cernuum' meaning 'nodding' or 'drooping'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nodding onion. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nodding onion