Definition of cocoon
1a : an envelope often largely of silk which an insect larva forms about itself and in which it passes the pupa stageb : any of various other protective coverings produced by animals
2a : something suggesting a cocoon especially in providing protection or in producing isolation wrapped in a cocoon of blankets an interest in the world beyond the everyday cocoon most of us construct — Peter Mayleb : a protective covering placed or sprayed over military or naval equipment in storage
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Examples of cocoon in a Sentence
The child was wrapped in a cocoon of blankets.
The movie star was surrounded by a protective cocoon of bodyguards.
Origin and Etymology of cocoon
French cocon, from Occitan coucoun, from coco shell, probably ultimately from Latin coccum kermes (thought to be a gall or berry), from Greek kokkos berry, kermes
First Known Use: 1679
cocoon
Definition of cocoon
transitive verb
: to wrap or envelop in or as if in a cocoon
Examples of cocoon in a Sentence
Americans are spending more time cocooning at home in recent years.
cocooned in puffy down parkas, we braved the bitter cold as best we could
Did You Know?
Since at least 1679, English speakers have been using the noun "cocoon" for the silky covering that surrounds a caterpillar or other insect larva in the pupa stage of metamorphosis. The word came into English from French, which in turn borrowed it from an Occitan term for "eggshell." Linguists believe the Occitan term was probably born of the Latin coccum, a noun that has been translated as "kermes," the dried bodies of some insects that can be found on certain trees. The verb "cocoon" has been with us since at least 1881.
1881
First Known Use of cocoon
1881
COCOON Defined for English Language Learners
cocoon
playDefinition of cocoon for English Language Learners
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: a covering usually made of silk which some insects (such as caterpillars) make around themselves to protect them while they grow
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: something that covers or protects a person or thing
cocoon
Definition of cocoon for English Language Learners
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: to cover or protect (someone or something) completely
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: to spend time at home instead of going out for other activities
COCOON Defined for Kids
cocoon
playDefinition of cocoon for Students
: the silky covering which a moth caterpillar makes around itself and in which it is protected while changing into a moth
Learn More about cocoon
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See words that rhyme with cocoon Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cocoon Spanish Central: Translation of cocoon Nglish: Translation of cocoon for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cocoon
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