egg
egg · noun/verb
Definitions
noun/verb
- 1.
An oval or round object laid by a female bird, reptile, or fish, containing an embryo that develops into a young animal.
- 2.
To urge or encourage someone to do something, especially something foolish or risky (usually with "on").
- 3.
The egg of a domestic hen, used as food.
- 4.
To throw eggs at someone or something.
- 5.
A female reproductive cell; an ovum.
Forms
plural: eggs
Phrases & expressions
- •egg on one's face — embarrassment from a mistake
- •put all one's eggs in one basket — risk everything on a single venture
- •walk on eggshells — be very careful not to offend someone
- •bad egg — a dishonest or unreliable person
- •good egg — a kind or trustworthy person
Related words
Etymology
From Old Norse egg, replacing the native Old English æg. Related to Latin ovum and Greek ōion.