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

Compost is that rich mixture of various nitrogen-rich materials — grass clippings, vegetable scraps, eggshells, tree leaves and more — after decomposition by microorganisms breaks them down. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

Young players sometimes walk on eggshells around veterans, reluctant to express themselves. —Levi Weaver, New York Times, 4 May 2026

Adjective

The eggshell blue exterior of this historic property on the National Register of Historic Places coos to you a block off Duval Street. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

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

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