soft-boiled

adjective

ˈsȯf(t)-ˈbȯi(-ə)ld How to pronounce soft-boiled (audio)
Synonyms of soft-boilednext
1
of an egg : boiled to a soft consistency
2
: sentimental

Examples of soft-boiled in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It can be poached, scrambled, scotched, roasted, hard-boiled, devilled, pickled, and soft-boiled, all by itself. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 Eggs — at the nexus of the protein and whole-foods trends — were everywhere, pre-poached, vacuum-sealed, and soft-boiled. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026 Sliced cheddar cheese, pooled eggs and soft-boiled eggs were all measured below proper holding temperatures. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado may 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026 Boiled Placing eggs in boiling water with the shells on is another healthy cooking method that can be used until the yolk is runny (soft-boiled) or fully cooked (hard-boiled). — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026 The result, according to researchers led by chemist Pellegrino Musto, is that there are now many different cooking methods beyond the simple hard- and soft-boiled options. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of soft-boiled was in 1655

Rhymes for soft-boiled

See All Rhymes for soft-boiled

Browse Nearby Words

soft black
soft-boiled
softbound
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Cite this Entry

“Soft-boiled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soft-boiled. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

soft-boiled

adjective
-ˈbȯi(ə)ld
: lightly boiled so that the contents are soft
soft-boiled eggs

More from Merriam-Webster on soft-boiled

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