EGG Meaning and
Definition
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Egg (noun):
1. A reproductive body produced by female animals, typically oviparous vertebrates, which harbors the potential to develop into a new individual of the same species after fertilization.
2. A hard-shelled structure laid by female birds, reptiles, or certain insects, containing a yolk surrounded by albumen (egg white) and enclosed within a protective outer membrane. The egg primarily serves as the reproductive method for these species and acts as a protective enclosure for the fertilized developing embryo.
3. A culinary ingredient often consumed for its high nutritional value and versatility in cooking. Eggs are commonly obtained from chickens and used in various recipes, such as omelets and baked goods, due to their ability to add texture, flavor, and binding properties to dishes.
4. (Informal) A metaphorical term used to describe a person's offspring or children, emphasizing their youth or immaturity. In this context, "eggs" represents the individuals or group that are dependent on or influenced by someone.
5. (Informal) A single unit or item used as a reference, especially in counting or assessing quantities, value, or potential. The term "egg" can also be used in phrases such as "put all your eggs in one basket," meaning to risk everything on a single venture or investment.
Overall, the word "egg" encompasses biological, culinary, metaphorical, and idiomatic aspects, making it a versatile term with different connotations depending on the context.
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The female sexual cell; especially that of birds and certain reptiles which is developed outside the body of the parent and which is provided with a protective shell and a mass of albuminous and fatty material designed for the nourishment of the embryo. The naked egg of mammals, developing within the body of the mother, is usually called ovum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A roundish body produced by the females of birds and certain other animals, out of which a creature is produced of a like kind; the spawn of fishes, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for EGG *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for EGG
Etymology of EGG
The word "egg" has an Old English origin and is derived from the Proto-Germanic "ajja", which is believed to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root "ōwyo-" or "ōwyóm". This root is associated with the concept of life or growth and is also connected to words such as "ova" in Latin and "ovo" in Italian. Over time, "ajja" evolved into "ey" in Middle English, and eventually, it became "egg" in Modern English.
Idioms with the word EGG
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curate's egg
The definition of the idiom "curate's egg" refers to something that has both good and bad qualities, but is generally considered to be of poor quality overall. It originates from a cartoon published in 1895 in the British magazine Punch, depicting a timid curate who, when served a bad egg while dining with his bishop, declared it to be "good in parts." The idiom is often used to describe situations, objects, or ideas that are flawed or unsatisfactory in various aspects.
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goose egg
The idiom "goose egg" refers to the numeral symbol zero (0) or the shape of a zero, resembling a goose's egg. It is commonly used to indicate a score of zero in a game or competition or to describe a lack of success or results in a particular situation.
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egg sm on
The idiom "egg someone on" means to encourage, incite, or provoke someone to do something, often in a playful or mischievous manner. It involves pushing or motivating someone to take action or make a decision, typically with the intention of stirring excitement or competition.
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good egg
The idiom "good egg" is used to describe someone who is genuinely kind-hearted, trustworthy, and reliable. It refers to a person who is considered to be genuine, friendly, and easy to get along with, often someone who consistently displays positive qualities and acts in a respectable manner.
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one's egg money
The idiom "one's egg money" typically refers to a person's extra or discretionary funds, often earned through individual efforts or small-scale business ventures. It originates from the practice of individuals keeping the money earned from selling eggs or other farm produce separately from their main income, to be used for personal expenses or to save for future investments. In a broader sense, it signifies money one has earned independently, separate from their regular salary or income.
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nest egg
The idiom "nest egg" refers to a sum of money or savings that has been set aside or accumulated over time for future use or emergencies. It is often used to describe funds that are saved for retirement, investment, or any long-term goal. The term "nest egg" typically implies security, stability, and the ability to be used when needed.
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the/a curate’s egg
The idiom "the/a curate's egg" is used to describe a situation, idea, or thing that has both good and bad qualities. It originates from a satirical British cartoon published in the late 19th century, where a curate (a clergyman) is served a bad egg at breakfast and says it is good in parts. This phrase is now commonly used to describe anything that is partly good and partly bad.
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egg on
The idiom "egg on" means to encourage, provoke, or incite someone to do something, especially something risky or dangerous. It can be used to describe the act of urging someone to take action or to engage in behavior that they might not have considered otherwise.
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egg-sucker
The idiom "egg-sucker" is a derogatory term used to refer to someone who takes advantage of others or exploits their kindness for personal gain. It implies that the person is ungrateful and selfish, likening them to a creature that steals or consumes eggs without any regard for the source or the caretaker.
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the/a curate's egg
The idiom "the/a curate's egg" is used to describe something that is partially or entirely bad, despite having some good or positive aspects. It originates from a cartoon published in the British satirical magazine Punch in 1895, depicting a timid and polite curate who is served a bad egg by his host during breakfast. When asked about the egg, the curate responds, "Oh, no, my Lord, I assure you! Parts of it are excellent!" Thus, the idiom highlights the idea that even something that appears good or promising at first glance can ultimately be flawed or unsatisfactory.
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a bad egg
The idiom "a bad egg" refers to a person who is unreliable, dishonest, or untrustworthy. It is commonly used to describe someone with negative character traits or someone who engages in harmful or immoral actions.
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tough egg to crack
The idiom "tough egg to crack" means a difficult or challenging problem, situation, or person that is hard to solve or understand. It implies that the subject is complex or resistant to attempts at resolution or comprehension.
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a tough egg (to crack)
The idiom "a tough egg (to crack)" means that someone or something is difficult or challenging to deal with or understand. It refers to a task or situation that requires significant effort or skill to overcome or resolve. It suggests that the person or thing is resistant to change, persuasion, or influence.
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lay an egg
The idiom "lay an egg" means to perform poorly or fail in a particular endeavor, such as a sports competition, artistic performance, or any task that requires skill or success.
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a nest egg
The idiom "a nest egg" refers to a sum of money or savings that is set aside or saved for future use, typically for a specific purpose such as retirement, emergencies, or long-term financial security. It symbolizes financial stability and security, serving as a reserve or foundation for one's future needs or plans.
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have egg on face
The idiom "have egg on face" means to be embarrassed or to feel ashamed due to a public mistake, failure, or humiliation. It implies a sense of being caught off guard or humiliated in front of others, similar to having literal egg on one's face.
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over-egg the pudding
The idiom "over-egg the pudding" means to excessively embellish or overdo something, often to the point of making it less effective or less enjoyable. It refers to adding unnecessary or excessive elements to a situation, idea, or story, diminishing its original purpose or intent.
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kill the goose that lays the golden egg/eggs
The idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden egg/eggs" is used to refer to a situation where someone or something ruins or destroys the source of their own prosperity, success, or income due to short-sighted or greedy actions. It emphasizes the importance of not being so focused on immediate gains that one overlooks the long-term benefits or potential.
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chicken and egg
The idiom "chicken and egg" refers to a situation where it is uncertain which event or factor came first and is the cause, and which one came later and is the effect. It indicates a circular or interdependent relationship where the cause and effect are mutually dependent, making it difficult to determine which one originated first.
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chicken and egg situation
The idiom "chicken and egg situation" refers to a dilemma where it is difficult to determine which came first or caused the other, as both are closely related and dependent on each other. It implies a circular dependency or a situation where the cause and effect are unclear or mutually dependent.
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can't boil an egg
The idiom "can't boil an egg" refers to someone who lacks even the most basic culinary skills or is unable to perform simple cooking tasks. It highlights a person's incompetence or lack of knowledge in the kitchen.
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egg on one's face, have
The idiom "egg on one's face" means to feel embarrassed, foolish, or humiliated due to one's own actions, words, or decisions. It refers to a situation where someone has made a mistake or a misjudgment, resulting in public embarrassment or ridicule.
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a curate's egg
The idiom "a curate's egg" refers to something that is partly good and partly bad or of poor quality overall. It originates from a satirical cartoon published in the British magazine Punch in 1895, where a timid curate (a low-ranking clergyman) was served a bad egg by his host but still claimed it was good, saying, "It's good in parts." This became a metaphorical expression denoting an attempt to find something positive in a situation or object that is largely unsatisfactory.
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egg someone on
To "egg someone on" means to encourage or provoke someone to do something, usually something risky or foolish. It implies actively pushing or inciting another person to take action, often to achieve a desired outcome or to test their limits.
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with egg on your face
The idiom "with egg on your face" refers to the feeling of embarrassment or humiliation caused by making a mistake, being proven wrong, or experiencing a failure in front of others. It signifies the sense of shame or foolishness one might feel after being caught in an embarrassing situation.
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a chicken-and-egg situation, problem, etc.
The idiom "a chicken-and-egg situation, problem, etc." refers to a circular or interdependent situation where it is unclear which event came first or caused the other. It involves two factors that rely on each other's existence but it is difficult to determine which one is the cause and which one is the effect.
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egg on one's face
The idiom "egg on one's face" refers to the feeling of embarrassment, humiliation, or shame that someone experiences when they make a foolish mistake or are proved wrong in a public or embarrassing manner. It suggests that the person's actions or words have caused them to look foolish or be discredited, figuratively symbolizing having egg smeared on one's face.
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a chicken and egg situation
The idiom "a chicken and egg situation" refers to a scenario where it is difficult to determine the cause and effect of two interdependent events or circumstances. It suggests a circular dilemma where it is unclear which event or situation came first, like the classic question of whether the chicken or the egg came first.
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go suck an egg
The idiom "go suck an egg" is an impolite and dismissive expression typically used to tell someone to go away or to disregard their opinion. It can also be seen as a mild insult, implying that the person should occupy themselves with something trivial or irrelevant.
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a hard egg to crack
The idiom "a hard egg to crack" refers to a person or problem that is difficult to understand, solve, or overcome. It implies that the situation or individual poses a challenge that requires considerable effort, skills, or resources to deal with successfully.
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have/be left with egg on/all over your face
The idiom "have/be left with egg on/all over your face" means to be embarrassed or ashamed, typically because of a mistake or failure that is publicly known. It refers to the feeling of having literal egg on one's face, which is a visible sign of humiliation.
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have egg on one's face
The idiom "have egg on one's face" means to be embarrassed or humiliated by a mistake, awkward situation, or failure. It implies feeling foolish or ashamed due to a blunder or error of judgment that is witnessed by others.
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rotten egg
The idiom "rotten egg" refers to someone or something that is unpleasant, disagreeable, or of poor quality. It is often used to describe an individual who behaves badly or deceitfully.
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have egg on your face
The idiom "have egg on your face" means to be embarrassed or humiliated due to a mistake, failure, or being caught in a foolish or embarrassing situation.
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Kill the goose that lays the golden egg(s).
"Kill the goose that lays the golden egg(s)" is an idiom that refers to a short-sighted or thoughtless action of destroying a valuable and reliable source of income or benefit in pursuit of immediate gain. It warns against jeopardizing long-term success or sustainability by compromising or destroying something of great value or potential.
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a good egg
The idiom "a good egg" refers to someone who is kind-hearted, trustworthy, and honest. It is used to describe a person who is reliable, helpful, and generally a good friend or companion.
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egg on sb's face
The idiom "egg on someone's face" refers to someone experiencing embarrassment, humiliation, or shame due to a foolish or embarrassing act or mistake they have made.
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egg on face
The idiom "egg on face" refers to a situation in which someone feels embarrassed or ashamed due to a mistake, misjudgment, or failure. It implies a feeling of humiliation or having made a fool of oneself.
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(go) suck a egg
The idiom "(go) suck a egg" is a colloquial phrase often used as an expression of disdain, dismissal, or disregard towards someone. It essentially suggests that the person being addressed should do something unproductive or unappealing, like sucking on an egg, implying that their presence or opinion is unwanted or inconsequential.
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a wild goose never laid a tame egg
The idiom "a wild goose never laid a tame egg" means that something cannot produce results or outcomes that are contrary to its nature. It suggests that the characteristics or qualities of a particular thing or person cannot be altered or changed. Just like a wild goose, which is known to be untamed and unpredictable, cannot produce a domesticated or docile egg, certain entities or individuals are inherently limited by their nature or inherent qualities.
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egg in (your) beer
The idiom "egg in (your) beer" typically refers to an expression used to convey the idea of asking for something additional or extra when already receiving something of great value or benefit. It suggests wanting an unnecessary addition or enhancement to something already good or sufficient. It implies being greedy or unappreciative of what one already has.
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egg on your face
The idiom "egg on your face" is used to describe a situation where someone feels embarrassed or foolish due to their own actions or words. It refers to having a humiliating or embarrassing situation that can result in being ridiculed or mocked by others.
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Go fry an egg!
The idiom "Go fry an egg!" is often used as a dismissive and slightly mocking response to someone who is irritating, bothersome, or making unnecessary demands. It implies that the person being spoken to should go occupy themselves with a trivial or menial task instead of bothering the speaker.
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have egg on one’s face
To "have egg on one's face" means to be embarrassed or humiliated by a mistake or failure that is publicly exposed or witnessed by others. It implies feeling foolish or ashamed due to one's own actions, words, or decisions.
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kill the goose that lays the golden egg
The idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden egg" refers to a short-sighted action or decision that eliminates a valuable or productive source of income, opportunity, or success due to greed, impatience, or ignorance. It warns against destroying something that continually generates profit or brings benefits in the pursuit of immediate gain.
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one's (butter and) egg money
The idiom "one's (butter and) egg money" typically refers to a person's discretionary or extra funds that they have set aside for personal enjoyment or indulgence. It can mean the money someone has saved up specifically for treating themselves or engaging in their own interests, separate from their regular expenses or responsibilities.
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bad egg
The expression "bad egg" refers to a person who is dishonest, mischievous, or untrustworthy. It is typically used to describe someone who has a tendency to cause trouble or engage in dishonest behavior.
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good egg, a
The idiom "good egg, a" refers to a person who is kind, trustworthy, and likable. It is used to describe someone who is reliable, honest, and overall a good person.
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with egg on (one's) face
The idiom "with egg on (one's) face" means to be embarrassed or humiliated due to a foolish or embarrassing action, statement, or mistake. It refers to the visual image of having egg on one's face, which symbolizes the shame or disgrace one feels when caught in an embarrassing situation.
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butter-and-egg man
A "butter-and-egg man" is a colloquial term used to describe a wealthy and influential individual, often a businessman or entrepreneur who is involved in the food or agriculture industry. This term originated in the early 20th century, referring to individuals who profited from the sale of butter and eggs, which were considered luxury items at the time. Today, it is often used more broadly to describe any successful entrepreneur or businessman.
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egg-beater
A kitchen utensil with two whisks used for beating eggs or mixing ingredients.
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a chicken-and-egg problem
A chicken-and-egg problem is a situation where it is difficult or impossible to determine cause and effect, because it is unclear which came first, like the question of whether the chicken or the egg came first, or where two factors depend on each other to such an extent that it is impossible to say which is the cause and which is the effect.
Similar spelling words for EGG
Conjugate verb Egg
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have egged
you
would have egged
he/she/it
would have egged
we
would have egged
they
would have egged
I
would have egg
you
would have egg
he/she/it
would have egg
we
would have egg
they
would have egg
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been egging
you
would have been egging
he/she/it
would have been egging
we
would have been egging
they
would have been egging
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would egg
you
would egg
he/she/it
would egg
we
would egg
they
would egg
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be egging
you
would be egging
he/she/it
would be egging
we
would be egging
they
would be egging
FUTURE
I
will egg
you
will egg
he/she/it
will egg
we
will egg
they
will egg
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be egging
you
will be egging
he/she/it
will be egging
we
will be egging
they
will be egging
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have egged
you
will have egged
he/she/it
will have egged
we
will have egged
they
will have egged
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been egging
you
will have been egging
he/she/it
will have been egging
we
will have been egging
they
will have been egging
IMPERATIVE
you
egg
we
let´s egg
to egg
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was egging
you
were egging
he/she/it
was egging
we
were egging
they
were egging
PAST PARTICIPLE
egged
PAST PERFECT
I
had egged
you
had egged
he/she/it
had egged
we
had egged
they
had egged
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been egging
you
had been egging
he/she/it
had been egging
we
had been egging
they
had been egging
PRESENT
I
egg
you
egg
he/she/it
eggs
we
egg
they
egg
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am egging
you
are egging
he/she/it
is egging
we
are egging
they
are egging
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
egging
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have egged
you
have egged
he/she/it
has egged
we
have egged
they
have egged
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been egging
you
have been egging
he/she/it
has been egging
we
have been egging
they
have been egging
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
egg
SIMPLE PAST
I
egged
you
egged
he/she/it
egged
we
egged
they
egged
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