cocoon

[kuh-koon]

noun

1. the silky envelope spun by the larvae of many kinds of insects, as silkworms, serving as a covering for the insect during its stage as a pupa.

2. any of various similar protective coverings in nature, as the silky case in which certain spiders enclose their eggs.

3. a protective covering, usually consisting of polyvinyl chloride, sprayed over machinery, large guns on board ships, etc., to provide an airtight seal and prevent rust during long periods of storage.

4. any encompassingly protective or hermetic wrapping or enclosure resembling a cocoon.

   a cocoon of gauze.

verb (used without object)

1. to produce a cocoon.

2. to spend time at home rather than going out to socialize, especially when enjoying comforting, quiet leisure activities or entertainment.

   After a certain age you realize you’d rather skip the club and just cocoon with the hubby, watching a movie on the sofa.

verb (used with object)

1. to wrap or enclose tightly, as if in a cocoon.

   The doctor cocooned the patient in blankets.

2. to provide (machinery, guns, etc.) with a protective, airtight covering by spraying with polyvinyl chloride or the like.

3. to envelop or surround protectively; insulate.

   a political leader cocooned by his staff and his bodyguards.

cocoon

/ kəˈkuːn /

noun

1. 1. a silky protective envelope secreted by silkworms and certain other insect larvae, in which the pupae develop

   2. a similar covering for the eggs of the spider, earthworm, etc

2. a protective spray covering used as a seal on machinery

3. a cosy warm covering

verb

1. (tr) to wrap in a cocoon

cocoon

1. A case or covering of silky strands spun by an insect larva and inhabited for protection during its pupal stage.

2. A similar protective structure, such as the egg cases made by spiders or earthworms.

Other Word Forms

• cocoonlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocoon¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from French cocon, from Provençal coucoun “eggshell,” equivalent to coco “shell” (from Latin coccum; cochineal ) + French -on diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocoon¹

C17: from French cocon, from Provençal coucoun eggshell, from coco shell, from Latin coccum kermes berry, from Greek kokkos grain, seed, berry; compare _coccus

Example Sentences

For patients, concierge medicine offers a cocoon from mounting pressures on the medical system.

Read more on Barron's

Yet by keeping them at arm’s length, Schumer and Jeffries have stoked anger in their own backyard, where some constituents describe them as cocooned by Washington’s donor class.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Just like butterflies grow inside a cocoon, planets form inside the cozy belly of protoplanetary discs.

Read more on Space Scoop

“I don’t evolve, I cocoon,” Wednesday says of herself at one point.

Read more on Salon

Look, I think that when you’re getting yourself out of a hole, you’re doing a bit of that healing in a cocoon, around your friends and alone in your house and with your family.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• swaddle 
• swathe