How Do You Spell ONION?

Pronunciation: [ˈʌni͡ən] (IPA)

The word "onion" is spelled with five letters, but is pronounced with three distinct sounds. The first sound, represented by the letter 'o', is a short vowel sound (/ɒ/). The second sound, represented by the letter 'n', is a voiced consonant sound (/n/). The third sound, represented by the letters 'io', is a diphthong which has the sounds /ʌ/ and /i/. Interestingly, the spelling of the word "onion" comes from the Latin word "unio", meaning "single, large pearl".

ONION Meaning and Definition

  1. Onion is a noun that refers to a bulbous and pungent-tasting vegetable that belongs to the genus Allium. It is characterized by its distinctive layers of fleshy leaves that form concentric circles around a central core. Onions are commonly cultivated worldwide for culinary purposes and are considered staple ingredients in various cuisines. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, including white, yellow, and red varieties. The bulb of an onion is the most commonly consumed part, as it has a strong flavor that can range from mild and sweet to sharp and pungent, depending on the variety.

    The layers of an onion are composed of tightly packed leaf bases that store moisture and nutrients. Onions contain various health benefits, including being rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as dietary fiber. They also contain sulfur compounds that are responsible for their characteristic flavor and are believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

    In cooking, onions are used as a flavoring base in numerous dishes, such as soups, stews, stir-fries, and sauces. They can be consumed raw, caramelized, sautéed, or roasted, depending on the desired taste and texture. Onions are also commonly used in salads and as a garnish to add both flavor and visual appeal to a dish.

    Overall, onions are versatile vegetables with a distinctive taste and numerous culinary applications, making them an essential ingredient in many culinary traditions worldwide.

  2. The bulb of an herb, Allium cepa; its preparations have been employed in bronchitis and as a nerve sedative.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A well-known pot-herb having a bulbous root.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for ONION *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for ONION

Etymology of ONION

The word "onion" comes from the Old English word "union", which in turn originated from the Latin word "unio". "Unio" refers to a large pearl or a kind of onion and is derived from the word "unus", meaning "one". This likely alludes to the single bulb shape of an onion. The word "onion" has remained relatively unchanged across different languages, such as French "oignon" and Spanish "cebolla".

Idioms with the word ONION

  • a lonely little petunia in an onion patch The definition of the idiom "a lonely little petunia in an onion patch" refers to someone or something feeling out of place or isolated in a particular environment or situation. It implies a sense of being different, misunderstood, or unable to fit in with one's surroundings.

Similar spelling words for ONION

Plural form of ONION is ONIONS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: