1
of an egg : boiled to a soft consistency
2

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.
Whether soft-boiled and jammy or poached in the simmering broth, the yolk binds the flavors together. The Learning Network, New York Times, 20 May 2025 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 When served in certain kitchens at home or restaurant settings, the wheat noodles are often made from scratch, presented in a hearty, flavorful broth, and are often topped with hard- or soft-boiled eggs, corn, bamboo shoots, seaweed, bean sprouts, and protein such as beef, pork, shrimp, or chicken. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Soft-boiled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soft-boiled. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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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