bermuda onion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecific/Technical (Culinary, Agricultural, Historic)
Quick answer
What does “bermuda onion” mean?
A specific cultivar of onion (Allium cepa) known for its large size, mild, sweet flavour, and flat shape, historically cultivated in Bermuda and similar climates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific cultivar of onion (Allium cepa) known for its large size, mild, sweet flavour, and flat shape, historically cultivated in Bermuda and similar climates.
A term used primarily to denote a type of sweet onion, though it can also serve as a historic or regional identifier for onions from that specific growing area. In broader culinary contexts, it may be used loosely to refer to other mild, sweet onions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more commonly used in American English, reflecting its historical cultivation and import patterns to the US. In the UK, 'Spanish onion' is a more common generic term for a large, mild onion.
Connotations
American: Associated with a specific, slightly old-fashioned or regional culinary ingredient. British: Likely perceived as an Americanism or a specific import, lacking strong cultural connotations.
Frequency
Overall low frequency. Higher relative frequency in American cooking texts, historical agricultural documents, or discussions of heirloom produce.
Grammar
How to Use “bermuda onion” in a Sentence
[grow/harvest/slice/chop] + a/the + bermuda onionbermuda onion + [is/was/has] + [adjective (e.g., sweet, mild, large)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bermuda onion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This variety does not verb.
American English
- This variety does not verb.
adverb
British English
- This variety does not adverb.
American English
- This variety does not adverb.
adjective
British English
- The bermuda-onion crop was successful that year. (hyphenated compound adjective)
- She used a Bermuda onion relish.
American English
- The Bermuda onion harvest was early.
- He prefers a bermuda onion burger.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agricultural commodity trading, historical context, or specialty food retail.
Academic
Used in botanical, horticultural, or historical agricultural studies.
Everyday
Used in cooking instructions, grocery shopping for specific recipes, or gardening discussions.
Technical
Used in seed catalogues, horticultural guides, and cultivar descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bermuda onion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bermuda onion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bermuda onion”
- Spelling: 'Bermuder onion', 'Bermudan onion'. Using it as a general term for any onion (it is a specific type).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different cultivars. Both are sweet onions, but Vidalia onions are a specific type grown in Georgia, USA, with a protected name. 'Bermuda onion' refers to a style originally from Bermuda.
In cooked dishes, yes, but the flavour will be more pungent. For raw applications like salads, it's better to substitute another sweet onion variety (e.g., Vidalia, Walla Walla) to maintain the intended mild, sweet flavour.
It is named for its place of origin and historic large-scale cultivation. Onions were a major export commodity from Bermuda in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Its use has declined. In modern supermarkets, you are more likely to see labels for 'sweet onions' or specific varieties like 'Vidalia'. The term persists in older recipes, gardening contexts, and historical discussions.
A specific cultivar of onion (Allium cepa) known for its large size, mild, sweet flavour, and flat shape, historically cultivated in Bermuda and similar climates.
Bermuda onion is usually specific/technical (culinary, agricultural, historic) in register.
Bermuda onion: in British English it is pronounced /bəˌmjuːdə ˈʌnjən/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɚˈmjuːdə ˈʌnjən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a large, flat onion wearing Bermuda shorts – it's the laid-back, sweet-tasting 'Bermuda' onion.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLACE FOR PRODUCT (Metonymy): The place of origin (Bermuda) stands for the characteristic product from that place.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of a Bermuda onion?