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

/ kə-ko̅o̅n′ /

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 Words From

• co·coon·like 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

A couple years ago, I bought the insane giant cocoon jacket Gisele Bündchen wears in the show.

From Los Angeles Times

So we flew to London, my husband and I, for the first time, and I finally wore my big, loud cocoon coat to the exhibition preview.

From Los Angeles Times

It displays titles the team has worked on, like the locally-flavoured Broforce and Cocoon, which was nominated for four Bafta Games Awards in 2023.

From BBC

Republicans in leadership, and many of their fans, have historically been able to shrug off accusations of moral grotesquery because they are safely installed in their cocoon of conformity; the monsters must be the other guys, the ones outside the boundaries.

From Slate

Coming out of an intensive 90-day program, she heads back to the Orkneys to ground her new sobriety in a taste of home: bracing air, lambing, seal sightings, nature reserve volunteering and walks along the rocky coast in a headphones-protecting cocoon of techno music.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• swaddle
• swathe