cocoon

1 of 2

noun

co·​coon kə-ˈkün How to pronounce cocoon (audio)
1
a
: an envelope often largely of silk which an insect larva forms about itself and in which it passes the pupa stage
b
: any of various other protective coverings produced by animals
2
a
: 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 constructPeter Mayle
b
: a protective covering placed or sprayed over military or naval equipment in storage

cocoon

2 of 2

verb

cocooned; cocooning; cocoons

transitive verb

: to wrap or envelop in or as if in a cocoon

Did you know?

Since at least the late 1600s, 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 derives, via French cocon, from Occitan coucoun, which, in turn, emerged from coco, an Occitan term for "shell." Linguists believe the Occitan term was probably born of the Latin word coccum, a noun that has been translated as kermes, which refers to the dried bodies of some insects that are sometimes found on certain trees. The verb cocoon has been with us since the latter half of the 19th century.

Examples of cocoon in a Sentence

Noun The child was wrapped in a cocoon of blankets. The movie star was surrounded by a protective cocoon of bodyguards. Verb 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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Jil Sander continued its pursuit of organic and rounded silhouettes that cocoon the body, which was presented in a rotunda enclosed by curved screens that exhibited the quiet beauty of the alpine peaks. Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 20 Oct. 2024 An all-star moisturizing ingredient lineup of panthenol, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides, and macadamia nut oil cocoon skin with the toner’s silky lotion-like formula to make skin feel as soft as a baby’s, former Allure editor Devon Abelman says. Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024
Verb
Just the name inspires dreams of a plush mattress that will cocoon your body into a state of restful slumber and easy dreaming. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024 Stephen cocoons her while their steaks burn on the barbecue. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cocoon 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Noun

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocoon was in 1699

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near cocoon

Cite this Entry

“Cocoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocoon. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cocoon

noun
co·​coon
kə-ˈkün
1
: an envelope usually of silk which the larva of some insects (as moths) forms about itself and in which it passes the pupa stage compare chrysalis
2
: a covering suggesting a cocoon

More from Merriam-Webster on cocoon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!