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

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

Princess, a senior Chihuahua, rests with her eyes closed and body curled into a tight cocoon, as a frenetic hamster named Ponby stands upright, his eyes bulging.

From Los Angeles Times

Many Criterion junkies have imagined what it would be like to hang out in that closet — to be enveloped in that cozy cocoon of great movies.

From Los Angeles Times

They are either having a very good time — with much laughter and banter, and perhaps a tear or two when a butterfly emerges from the cocoon — or else they are excellent actors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• swaddle 
• swathe