eggshell

1 of 2

noun

egg·​shell ˈeg-ˌshel 

ˈāg-

1

: the hard exterior covering of an egg

2

: something resembling an eggshell especially in fragility

eggshell

2 of 2

adjective

1

: thin and fragile

2

: slightly glossy

3

: yellowish white

Examples of eggshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Its softer tones serve as a backdrop to a myriad of accent colors and furnishing styles, while more saturated yellows can be played up to make more of a statement—especially with finish treatment (eggshell vs. gloss etc.). —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

Consequently, what ought to have been a dynamic and creative process felt more like treading on eggshells. —Nirmal Chhabria, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Adjective

The recipe and the list of ingredients to make eggshell water are quite simple: Boil a gallon of water. —Stacey Leasca, Southern Living, 7 May 2024

His thoughts are contained within four eggshell-white walls, the only connection to the outside world a window above his desk. —Luca Evans, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

eggshell

1 of 2 noun

egg·​shell -ˌshel 

: the shell of an egg

eggshell

2 of 2 adjective

1

: being thin and fragile

eggshell china

2

: slightly glossy

Medical Definition

eggshell

noun

egg·​shell ˈeg-ˌshel, ˈāg- 

: the hard exterior covering of an egg