Meaning & Definition of word "Egg"

Egg

/ɛg/

noun:

  • 1. An oval or round object laid by a female bird, reptile, fish, or insect, containing a developing embryo.
    • Example: The robin laid three eggs in the nest.
  • 2. A similar reproductive structure laid by other animals, including mammals.
    • Example: The fish laid millions of tiny eggs in the water.
  • 3. A common food product, typically the egg of a chicken, used in cooking and baking.
    • Example: I need a dozen eggs to make the cake.
  • 4. An immature or undeveloped ovum (egg cell) in the ovary.
    • Example: The doctor explained the role of the egg in the reproductive process.

verb:

  • 1. To throw eggs at someone or something as a form of protest or vandalism.
    • Example: The protesters decided to egg the politicians' cars.

Etymology

Middle English 'egge', from Old Norse 'egg'

Common Phrases and Expressions

walking on eggshells:

To be very cautious and avoid offending someone.

put all your eggs in one basket:

To risk everything on a single venture.

egg on:

To encourage someone to continue doing something, often something risky or foolish.

Related Words

omelette:

A dish made from beaten eggs cooked in a frying pan.

scrambled eggs:

Eggs that have been mixed and cooked together.

eggplant:

A fruit that is purple and often used in cooking, despite its name.

Slang Meanings of egg

Meaning: To egg someone on

Example Sentence: He was egging me on to jump into the pool.

Meaning: Bad egg

Example Sentence: He seems nice, but he might be a bad egg.