onion
word
/ˈənjən/
UHN-yuhn
/ˈʌniən/
UHN-yuhn
Definition
A round vegetable with layers that is often used in cooking and has a strong flavor and smell. It usually makes your eyes water when you cut it.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used as both a vegetable and seasoning. Collocates with 'chop', 'slice', 'raw', 'fried', and 'red/white/yellow onion'. The phrase 'know your onions' means to be knowledgeable (British, informal). 'Onion' is almost always countable except when referring to it in general ('add some onion').
Spanish: cebollaPortuguese (BR): cebolaPortuguese (PT): cebolaChinese (Simplified): 洋葱Chinese (Traditional): 洋蔥Hindi: प्याज़Arabic: بصلBengali: পেঁয়াজRussian: лукJapanese: 玉ねぎVietnamese: hành tâyKorean: 양파Turkish: soğanUrdu: پیازIndonesian: bawang bombay
Example Sentences
I always put onion in my salad.
basic
Please cut the onion into small pieces.
basic
The soup has a strong onion flavor.
basic
Be careful—chopping onion can make your eyes water.
natural
Some people can’t stand raw onion in their sandwiches.
natural
Could you grab an extra onion at the store?
natural