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

see also:

walk on eggshells

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

Building Cultures Where Teams Safely Admit Mistakes Leaders who are strict with others and tolerant with themselves create toxic cultures where everyone walks on eggshells. — Brendan Keegan, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The shoes are crafted from leather in an eggshell shade, with a studded finish and a double-buckle detail strap that fastens across the instep. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 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

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

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