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

On Friday, observers spotted what appeared to be a pip — or breach in the eggshell.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

They found that the elements could enter the eggshells via diffusion along the calcite boundaries and the organic matrix, and, at higher temperatures, that the rare earth built new minerals on the eggshell surface.

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

But evolution can thicken and strengthen eggshell only so much because the shell must allow for gas exchange and the eventual exit of the hatchling.

From Scientific American • Aug. 15, 2023

I can imagine my mom’s freak-out if she’d witnessed this sacrilege, so I quickly wash off in the sink and sweep up any remaining eggshell and dump it into the sink.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed