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

Raffles Bali also takes a responsible approach to waste management, using compost fertilizer made from kitchen and landscape waste and repurposing calcium carbonate-rich eggshells from the restaurants for organic fertilizer in the herb garden. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

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

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