A cocoon containing a butterfly.
- The definition of a cocoon is a protective covering or a silky covering made by an insect to shelter themselves while they grow.
- An example of a cocoon is a waterproof covering over a boat.
- An example of a cocoon is the case where a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
- To cocoon is defined as to cover something to keep it safe.
An example of to cocoon is for a mother to hold a child tightly during a storm.
- the silky or fibrous case which the larvae of certain insects spin about themselves for shelter during the pupa stage
- any protective cover like this, as the egg capsule of certain spiders, leeches, etc.
- any cover used to waterproof or protect something, esp. military equipment for transport or storage
Origin of cocoonFrench cocon ; from ProvenÃ§al coucoun, egg shell, diminutive of coca, shell-like container ; from Medieval Latin coco, shell, hull
- to enclose protectively, as in a cocoon
- to isolate (oneself)
- a. A protective case of silk or similar fibrous material spun by the larvae of moths and certain other insects as a cover for the pupa.b. A similar natural protective covering or structure, such as the egg case of a spider.
- A protective plastic coating that is placed over stored military or naval equipment.
- Something that envelops, protects, or isolates: “a star hidden in a cocoon of dust” (Freeman Dyson). “Actors live in a cocoon of praise. They never meet people who don't like them” (Robert Morley).
verbco·cooned, co·coon·ing, co·coons
- To envelop (an insect) in a cocoon.
- To wrap in a blanket or other covering.
- To cause to be isolated or protected from harsh, dangerous, or disturbing realities; insulate.
Origin of cocoonFrench cocon, from Provençal coucoun, diminutive of coco, shell, from Late Latin coccum, from Latin, berry, oak gall, from Greek kokkos, seed, berry.
(third-person singular simple present cocoons, present participle cocooning, simple past and past participle cocooned)
From French cocon, diminutive of coque (“shell”).