Word: Egg

Pronunciation

/ɛɡ/

Definitions

• Noun: The oval, typically rounded reproductive body produced by female birds, reptiles, amphibians, or fish, containing a developing embryo that is nourished by the yolk until it hatches. For example: “She cracked open a fresh egg to make breakfast.”
• Noun (Informal): An individual bird’s or reptile’s offspring immediately after hatching from its egg. For example: “The mother hen watched over her newly hatched eggs.”
• Noun (Metaphorical): The source or origin of something; the beginning or starting point. Example: “This invention was the egg that hatched the entire industry.”
• Verb: To coat or cover with beaten eggs, often before cooking. Example: “She decided to egg the bread slices before making French toast.”
• Verb (Informal): To provoke or encourage someone, often to engage in mischievous or aggressive behavior. Example: “His friends egged him on to jump into the pool from the roof.”

Phrases

• “Egg on one’s face”: To be embarrassed because something you said or did turned out to be wrong or foolish. Example: “After predicting the election incorrectly, the pundit had egg on his face.”
• “Put all your eggs in one basket”: To risk everything on a single venture or plan. Example: “It’s not wise to put all your eggs in one basket when investing.”
• “Walk on eggs”: To act very cautiously so as not to offend or upset anyone. Example: “In the aftermath of the argument, he’s been walking on eggs around his boss.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The chef carefully separated the whites from the yolks of several eggs.”
• Verb: “She decided to egg the chicken breasts before pan-frying them.”
• Metaphorical usage: “The small startup company was the egg from which the global tech giant eventually emerged.”

Synonyms

• Ovum (in scientific contexts)
• Hen’s egg (for chicken eggs specifically)
• Offspring (when referring to hatched eggs)
• Encourage (when used as a verb in informal context)
• Provoke (when used to mean ‘to egg someone on’)