eggshell

[ eg-shel ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the shell of a bird's egg, consisting of keratin fibers and calcite crystals.
a pale yellowish-white color.
rather bulky paper having a slightly rough finish.

adjective

like an eggshell, as in thinness and delicacy; very brittle; fragile.
being pale yellowish-white in color.
having little or no gloss:
eggshell white paint.

eggshell

/ ˈɛɡˌʃɛ�� /

noun

the hard porous protective outer layer of a bird's egg, consisting of calcite and protein
a yellowish-white colour
a type of paper with a slightly rough finish
modifier (of paint) having a very slight sheen
an eggshell finish
walk on eggshells
to be very cautious or diplomatic for fear of upsetting someone

adjective

of a yellowish-white colour
eggshell paint

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Word History and Origins

Origin of eggshell¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, eggshell is from the Middle English word ayschelle. See egg ¹, shell

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But later investigations revealed that the site was littered with eagle eggshells — the child had likely been taken by birds of prey, not an uncommon fate for mammals of small stature.

From

Although most of the foster families he lived with were kind, he said part of him always felt like a guest, walking on eggshells or needing to prove his worth.

From

Sophie, not her real name, said being around her 32-year-old autistic son who has the condition was akin to "living on eggshells".

From

She said it’s “heart-wrenching” to hear from parents who are unhappy with a school librarian’s selection of books “but feel like they are walking on eggshells because they didn’t want to cause rifts.”

From

"There's no doubt that my frustration was showing when things weren't quite going our way. Everyone's sort of treading on eggshells around you, because they can sense it."

From

egg-shaped eggshell porcelain

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