egg-laying
|egg-lay-ing|
/ˈɛɡˌleɪ.ɪŋ/
produce eggs
Etymology
'egg-laying' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'egg' and the present participle 'laying' (from the verb 'lay').
'egg' comes from Old English 'æg' (meaning 'egg'), while 'lay' derives from Old English 'lecgan/lagian' (to place or put down); the sense 'to lay eggs' developed from the general verb 'lay' + 'egg' to form the compound 'egg-laying' in modern usage.
Initially a literal combination meaning 'laying eggs'; it has remained consistent, used both descriptively (adjective) and as a noun for the act of laying eggs.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of laying eggs; oviposition.
The egg-laying of sea turtles usually occurs at night on sandy beaches.
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Adjective 1
producing or characterized by laying eggs (used of animals).
Egg-laying seabirds return to the same cliffs each year.
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Last updated: 2025/12/01 00:28