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

Carry the wall color onto trim and even the ceiling to erase visual breaks, and opt for a satin or eggshell finish to gently reflect light. —Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026

Mapillar Dahn-Flemister describes raising children with sickle cell disease like walking on eggshells. —La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Tiles and Grout According to Duarte, eggshell powder and vinegar or citric acid works wonders on tiles and grout. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for eggshell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

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