pearl onion

noun

: a very small usually pickled onion used especially in appetizers and as a garnish

Examples of pearl onion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fact, pearl onions would be a nice thing to pickle, too. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2026 Stir in carrots and pearl onions and bring to a simmer over medium heat. — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 27 Oct. 2025 The menu kicked off with duck leg ballotine with flageolet beans, pearl onions, and turnips. — Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Mar. 2025 Think of it as a louder Italian cousin to the Gibson, the more demure martini with a pearl onion. — Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pearl onion

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pearl onion was in 1855

Rhymes for pearl onion

See All Rhymes for pearl onion

Browse Nearby Words

pearl of wisdom
pearl onion
pearl opal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pearl onion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pearl%20onion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pearl onion

noun
: a very small onion that is usually pickled

More from Merriam-Webster on pearl onion

Nglish: Translation of pearl onion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pearl onion

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