Definition of chrysalis
b
: the hardened outer protective layer of a pupa
2
: a protecting covering
also
: a sheltered state or stage of being or growth
… a budding writer could not emerge from his chrysalis too soon. — William Du Bois
Test Your Vocabulary
Which Word Does Not Belong?
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share chrysalis
Time Traveler for chrysalis
The first known use of chrysalis was in 1601
See more words from the same year