A1 noun Neutral #1,190 most common

onion

/ˈʌnjən/

A round vegetable with many thin layers that has a strong, sharp smell and taste. It is one of the most common ingredients used in cooking worldwide to provide flavor to savory dishes.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to buy a bag of onions from the grocery store.

I need to buy a bag of onions from the grocery store.

2

The chef recommends sautéing the onions until they are translucent.

The chef recommends sautéing the onions until they are translucent.

3

Can you pass me the onions for the burger?

Can you pass me the onions for the burger?

Word Family

Noun
onion
Adjective
oniony
Related
onion skin
💡

Memory Tip

Think of an onion's layers. Just as an onion has many layers that make you cry, the word 'onion' has many 'o's (at the start and middle) to remember.

Quick Quiz

I always cry when I chop a fresh ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: onion

Examples

1

I need to buy a bag of onions from the grocery store.

everyday

I need to buy a bag of onions from the grocery store.

2

The chef recommends sautéing the onions until they are translucent.

formal

The chef recommends sautéing the onions until they are translucent.

3

Can you pass me the onions for the burger?

informal

Can you pass me the onions for the burger?

4

The study examines the sulfuric compounds released when an onion is sliced.

academic

The study examines the sulfuric compounds released when an onion is sliced.

5

Our supply chain ensures that fresh onions are delivered to the kitchen daily.

business

Our supply chain ensures that fresh onions are delivered to the kitchen daily.

Word Family

Noun
onion
Adjective
oniony
Related
onion skin

Common Collocations

raw onion raw onion
chopped onion chopped onion
fried onions fried onions
red onion red onion
onion rings onion rings

Common Phrases

know your onions

to be very knowledgeable about a subject

peeling back the layers of an onion

exploring a complex situation step by step

onion soup

a popular soup made primarily of onions

Often Confused With

onion vs garlic

Both are pungent bulbs, but garlic is much smaller and grows in cloves, while an onion is a single large bulb.

onion vs shallot

Shallots are smaller, elongated, and have a milder, sweeter flavor than standard onions.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'onion' is a countable noun. However, when referring to it as an ingredient in a general sense, it can sometimes function like an uncountable noun (e.g., 'Add more onion to the salad').

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes forget the plural 's' when referring to multiple onions or misspell the word by omitting the second 'o'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of an onion's layers. Just as an onion has many layers that make you cry, the word 'onion' has many 'o's (at the start and middle) to remember.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French 'oignon', which comes from the Latin 'unio', meaning 'oneness' or 'unity' because the onion bulb grows as a single unit.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one onion, two onions Commonly used as a noun adjunct: onion soup, onion bread Irregular pronunciation: the 'o' is pronounced like 'u' in 'up'
🌍

Cultural Context

Onions are considered a culinary staple in almost every global cuisine, forming the 'aromatic base' for soups and stews in many cultures.

Quick Quiz

I always cry when I chop a fresh ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: onion

More Food words

meal

A1

A meal is an occasion when food is eaten, or the specific food that is prepared and eaten at a certain time of day. It usually refers to the main eating events such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

juice

A1

Juice is the liquid that comes from fruits and vegetables when they are squeezed or crushed. It is a common beverage enjoyed cold and is often consumed during breakfast.

coffee

A1

Coffee is a popular dark-colored drink made from roasted and ground seeds called beans. It is usually served hot or cold and contains caffeine, which helps people feel more awake and energetic.

cheese

A1

A solid food made from the pressed curds of milk, often flavored and aged. It is a common dairy product used in sandwiches, pizzas, and many cooked dishes around the world.

beef

A1

Beef is the culinary name for meat from cattle, particularly cows. It is a popular source of protein consumed in many different forms, such as steaks, roasts, or ground meat.

orange

A1

A round citrus fruit with a bright reddish-yellow skin and juicy segments inside. It is well-known for being a rich source of Vitamin C and is commonly eaten fresh or squeezed into juice.

watermelon

A1

A watermelon is a very large, round or oval fruit with a hard green skin and a sweet, watery red or pink interior. It is commonly eaten cold during the summer months and is known for its high water content and black seeds.

lemon

A1

A lemon is a yellow citrus fruit that has a very sour taste. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and drinks to add a fresh or acidic flavor.

peach

A1

A peach is a round, sweet fruit with soft, fuzzy skin and a large hard seed in the middle. It is usually orange or yellow and is commonly eaten fresh or used in desserts during the summer.

pineapple

A1

A large, tropical fruit with a tough, scaly skin and a tuft of green leaves on top. It has sweet, juicy yellow flesh inside and is eaten fresh, canned, or as juice.

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