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

Where the risk of fingerprints and scuff marks is higher — hallways, children’s rooms, family rooms — go for satin or eggshell paint. —Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 12 July 2024

The socks are multi-colored starting with eggshell coloring at the top and leading into light blue, red and dark blue coloring with blue coloring for the heels and red coloring for the toes. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 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