Search Dictionary
Definition of nodding onion
nodding onion
Plural:nodding onions
• noun
1
A North American perennial bulbous plant (Allium cernuum) in the amaryllis family, cultivated as an ornamental wildflower for its characteristic downward-drooping umbels of bell-shaped pink, lavender, or white blossoms.
Example
"Clusters of nodding onion bloomed along the sunny edge of the prairie restoration garden in late summer."
2
The pungent, edible bulb and grass-like leaves of the nodding onion plant, foraged or grown as a wild culinary vegetable and flavoring herb.
Example
"The chef finely chopped the leaves of the nodding onion to garnish the roasted root vegetables."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for nodding onionUsage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nodding onion. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nodding-onion