Search Dictionary
Definition of onion

onion

/ˈʌn.jən/
on · ion
Plural:onions
•
Adjective:oniony
JUMP TO:

onion Lexical Profile

onion Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An edible bulb with a pungent taste and smell, composed of several concentric layers, widely used in cooking as a vegetable or flavoring.

Example

"She carefully chopped a large white onion to add to the savory stew."

2

The biennial plant of the amaryllis family that produces the onion bulb, featuring hollow, bluish-green cylindrical leaves.

Example

"The farmer planted rows of onions in the fertile soil at the edge of the property."

• Rhymes for onion

• Nearby Words

onetime
ongoing
onigiri
onion
onion powder
onion rings
onionskin

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English unyon, borrowed from Old French oignon, which derived from Latin unio, meaning 'single pearl' or 'a kind of onion'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Onion. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/onion
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.