EigenLayer
A protocol on Ethereum that lets stakers reuse their ETH or liquid staking tokens to help secure additional networks and services.
EigenLayer is a protocol built on Ethereum that introduces “restaking.” Normally, ETH staked to Ethereum helps secure Ethereum’s own consensus system. With EigenLayer, users can opt in to reuse staked ETH, or certain liquid staking tokens, to provide security for other applications and networks. These may include data availability layers, bridges, oracle systems, or other services that want Ethereum-aligned economic security without building their own validator set from scratch.
It matters because it can make launching new crypto infrastructure easier while giving stakers another way to participate in network security. In return, restakers may earn rewards from the services they help secure, but they also accept additional risks. If a restaker or their chosen operator breaks the rules of a supported service, they may face penalties, depending on that service’s design. A practical comparison is a security guard already assigned to one building who, by agreement, also watches nearby facilities; the guard may earn more, but takes on more responsibility and potential consequences.
Other terms in Ethereum
Account Abstraction (ERC-4337)
A way for Ethereum wallets to act like smart contracts, enabling features such as gas sponsorship, account recovery, and custom transaction rules.
Beacon Chain
Ethereum’s proof-of-stake coordination layer that organizes validators and finalizes blocks for the network.
EIP
An Ethereum Improvement Proposal is a formal document used to suggest, discuss, and standardize changes to the Ethereum network or ecosystem.
ERC-1155
An Ethereum token standard that lets one smart contract create and manage multiple token types, including fungible tokens, NFTs, and semi-fungible items.