ciboule
/si.bul/feminine
The French word for spring onion is ciboule.
ciboule refers specifically to the botanical plant Allium fistulosum.
Meaning: Allium fistulosum (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ciboule refers to the specific botanical plant, oignon nouveau is a very common way to refer to spring onions in a culinary context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, people may use the term échalote verte instead of ciboule.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /si.bul/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The French word ciboule is sometimes used in slang to refer to a person's head or brain.
- The term ciboule originates from the Latin diminutive caepulla, which literally means 'little onion'.
- The word oignon is famous in French for having a silent 'g' that was once pronounced in older forms of the language.
Examples in context
- Elodie adore cuisiner avec de la ciboule fraîche.Elodie loves cooking with fresh spring onions.
- Je cherche des oignons verts pour ma recette de tarte à la ciboulette.I'm looking for spring onions for my chive tart recipe.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are preparing a meal together.
- GabrielManon, as-tu vu la ciboule ?Manon, have you seen the spring onion?
- ManonOui, elle est dans le frigo.Yes, it is in the fridge.
- GabrielPeux-tu me la donner, s'il te plaît ?Can you give it to me, please?
- ManonTenez, voici la ciboule, Gabriel.Here, here is the spring onion, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spring onion” translations and entries ciboule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciboule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
