nest egg

American  

noun

1. money saved and held in reserve for emergencies, retirement, etc.

2. a natural or artificial egg placed in a nest to induce a hen to continue laying eggs there.

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nest egg British  

noun

1. a fund of money kept in reserve; savings

2. a natural or artificial egg left in a nest to induce hens to lay their eggs in it

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Etymology

Origin of nest egg

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

“If you have a long-term strategy in mind, the process of building a nest egg is more important than any individual transaction.”

From MarketWatch

The nest egg is in place, the kids are out of the house and the daily costs of working life have disappeared.

From MarketWatch

“Retirees are living longer and spending more of their nest egg,” Mallon said.

From MarketWatch

We should be able to grow our nest egg significantly by the time I turn 70, though of course nothing is guaranteed.

From MarketWatch

Postponing retirement isn’t an option for everyone, but for those who can, it’s a great way to pad your nest egg.

From Barron's

Related Words

• cache
• reserve fund
• savings
• savings account
• stash
• stockpile