eggshell

American  

[eg-shel] / ˈɛgˌʃɛl /

noun

1. the shell of a bird's egg, consisting of keratin fibers and calcite crystals.

2. a pale yellowish-white color.

3. rather bulky paper having a slightly rough finish.

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adjective

1. like an eggshell, as in thinness and delicacy; very brittle; fragile.

2. being pale yellowish-white in color.

3. having little or no gloss.

   eggshell white paint.

eggshell British  

/ ˈɛɡˌʃɛl /

noun

1. the hard porous protective outer layer of a bird's egg, consisting of calcite and protein

2. a yellowish-white colour

3. a type of paper with a slightly rough finish

4. (modifier) (of paint) having a very slight sheen

   an eggshell finish

5. to be very cautious or diplomatic for fear of upsetting someone

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adjective

1. of a yellowish-white colour

   eggshell paint

Etymology

Origin of eggshell

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

Example Sentences

Observers spotted what appeared to be a pip — or breach in the eggshell — on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

At 90 °C, the eggshell surface helped recover formations of a rare earth compound called kozoite.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2024

A report from 2007 said it was feasible for influenza viruses to enter through the eggshell.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2024

"It wasn't like it is today where everybody's got to walk on an eggshell to tell you something," the 63-year-old told the Radio Times podcast.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2023

I bit into my egg and asked Baba if it was true what a boy in school had told me, that if you ate a piece of eggshell, you’d have to pee it out.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini