HARD-BOILED

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does hard-boiled mean? 

• HARD-BOILED (adjective)
  The adjective HARD-BOILED has 3 senses:

1. tough and callous by virtue of experience

2. used of persons; emotionally hardened

3. (eggs) cooked until the yolk is solid

  Familiarity information: HARD-BOILED used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HARD-BOILED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Tough and callous by virtue of experience

Synonyms:

hard-bitten; hard-boiled; pugnacious

Similar:

tough (not given to gentleness or sentimentality)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Used of persons; emotionally hardened

Synonyms:

case-hardened; hard-boiled; hardened

Context example:

faced a case-hardened judge

Similar:

hard (dispassionate)

Sense 3

Meaning:

(eggs) cooked until the yolk is solid

Similar:

cooked (having been prepared for eating by the application of heat)

 Context examples 

I never saw this great-uncle but I'm supposed to look like him—with special reference to the rather hard-boiled painting that hangs in Father's office.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)