Onion: meaning, definitions and examples

Everyday, casual conversation or cooking instructions. The most commonly used word for this vegetable.

• I need to buy an onion for the soup.
• Chop the onion finely before adding it to the pan.

When emphasizing the bulbous nature of the vegetable, possibly in agricultural contexts or when distinguishing it from other types of onions like green onions or spring onions.

• Bulb onions are harvested when their tops turn brown and fall over.
• The farmer markets both green onions and bulb onions.

Scientific, botanical, or formal contexts. This is the Latin name for the onion and might be used in academic writing or detailed gardening guides.

• Allium cepa is a herbaceous biennial plant in the Amaryllidaceae family.
• The study focused on the antibacterial properties of Allium cepa.

Commonly used in everyday language for cooking and recipes.

• Chop the onion finely for the salad.
• The recipe calls for a large onion.

Used in scientific or botanical contexts to refer to the species.

• Allium cepa is cultivated globally for its edible bulb.
• Researchers studied the genetic makeup of Allium cepa.

Used when referring to the whole plant, particularly in gardening or botanical contexts.

• The onion plant needs plenty of sunlight to grow.
• I have an onion plant in my garden.

Use this in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who has many layers to their personality or complexity. This term is often informal and can be playful.

• He's like an onion; the more you get to know him, the more layers you uncover.

This term is suitable for formal or semi-formal contexts when describing someone who has a complicated personality or many different sides. It is straightforward and neutral.

• She is a complex person, with numerous interests and a deep emotional life.

Best used in formal or professional settings to highlight the diverse attributes and skills of a person. This term carries a positive connotation and is elegant.

• In the interview, the candidate was described as a multi-faceted individual who excels in both creative and analytical tasks.