cocoon 1 of 2

noun

kə-ˈkün How to pronounce cocoon (audio)
Definition of cocoonnext
1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it he retired to the cocoon of his study whenever he'd had enough of the company

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in buffer
something that serves as a protective barrier as the TV had been packed in a cocoon of Styrofoam, it arrived in one piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

cocoon

2 of 2

verb

as in to wrap
to surround or cover closely cocooned in puffy down parkas, we braved the bitter cold as best we could

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cocoon
Noun
Once the tarantula has been consumed, the larva spins a cocoon and pupates into a mature wasp in two to three weeks. — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026 Some channeled actual ladybugs and butterflies with giant colorful hoop skirts, and jackets that looked like cocoons, eliciting smiles from the crowd. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
Phenomenal energy, and the world outside, cocooned behind high-grade drywall. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Recent ideas suggest that little red dots could be black holes cocooned in thick gas, possibly representing a completely new type of object called a black hole star, in which the tight shroud of gas emits light like a stellar atmosphere. — Quanta Magazine, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cocoon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocoon
  1. sheath
  2. buffer
  3. wrap
  4. casing
  5. shield
  6. envelop
  7. housing
  8. cushion
Noun
  • It was designed with a column, sheath silhouette, with sequins, thin spaghetti straps and a midlength skirt.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Each Axvant hatchet comes with the leather sheath and five replacement fire-starting rods.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of sheath
Noun
  • While this trend signals mounting pressure across financing conditions, analysts note that a modest retrenchment in market risk exposure represents a healthy calibration, serving as a buffer to mitigate concentrated risk spillovers.
    — , CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The assessment is the latest dose of bad news for coral reefs, which are critical sources for seafood and tourism and often serve as buffers from coastal erosion and storms.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • For now, this is an intriguing proof of concept, a tantalizing glimpse of what electric mobility might look like someday, and a technology wrapped in enough engineering jargon to make the average driver’s eyes glaze over.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In the photos, she is seen standing knee-deep in the water before wrapping a towel over her body to dry off.
    — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of wrap
Noun
  • Many of Nothing’s smartphones and headphones feature transparent casings that leave some of the internal components exposed.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Forensic testing revealed the shell casings found in the earlier shooting matched Borrego’s gun.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of casing
Noun
  • Dozens of armored cops were still standing guard, shields raised, after a night when 500 people were taken into custody in the French capital alone.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Tortoiseshell shield sunglasses and a timeless black tote complete the casual-meets-cool outfit.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • Logs dangle like toothpicks from machines with hydraulic claws, and the whole scene is enveloped in dust.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • What to do nearby Boutique Hotel Alhambra is situated in Čikat Bay, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and enveloped by fragrant, healing air that is the result of the island’s unique microclimate.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of envelop
Noun
  • Anger about rising inflation, from energy prices to housing costs, has led to clashes in Italy and Portugal.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Rising fuel costs, discontent with the state of schools, declining public services and a housing crisis have created perfectly stormy weather for an autumn of protests in Europe.
    — Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of housing
Noun
  • Interiors are simple—there’s just a huge double bed, a daybed, and plump floor cushions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Caminero gave Tampa Bay a cushion with his first career postseason homer in the seventh inning.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of cushion

Browse Nearby Words

coconspirators
cocoon
cocooned
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Cite this Entry

“Cocoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocoon. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cocoon

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