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egghead

noun

egg·​head ˈeg-ˌhed How to pronounce egghead (audio)
ˈāg-
plural eggheads
informal + often disparaging
: a person with intellectual interests or pretensions : a brainy person
If you loved to read, you were considered an egghead, and there was absolutely nothing worse than to be considered an egghead.Marvin V. Arnett
often used before another noun
a bunch of egghead scientists

Examples of egghead in a Sentence

He dismissed all scientists as a bunch of eggheads. a scientist who embraced the reputation of being an egghead
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.
Like a small-town freshman who can’t navigate his huge new college campus, Professor Nieuwendyk misses most of his (fake) classes to spend time with Mona Margadoff (Mary Steenburgen), a music theory instructor whose impulsive spirit proves irresistible to the ever-sensible egghead. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of egghead was in 1907

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Egghead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/egghead. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

egghead

noun
egg·​head ˈeg-ˌhed How to pronounce egghead (audio)
informal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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