cocoon
cocoon Lexical Profile
cocoon Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A silky case spun by the larvae of many insects, such as silkworms and other moths, for protection during the pupal stage, or by spiders to enclose their eggs.
"The caterpillar spun a tight silk cocoon attached to the underside of the branch."
A protective covering, wrapping, or environment that shields someone or something from the outside world or harsh conditions.
"She spent the rainy afternoon in a warm cocoon of blankets on the sofa."
• verb
To envelop, wrap, or surround in a protective or comforting way.
"Heavy velvet curtains cocooned the quiet reading room from the noise of the busy street."
To retreat into the safety and comfort of one's home, avoiding outside social contact or stress.
"During the winter storm, the family decided to cocoon indoors with board games and hot cocoa."
To form or spin a silky cocoon (of an insect larva).
"Once fully grown, the silkworms climb onto the frames and begin to cocoon."
Word Nuance & Usage
In entomology, a cocoon is spun from silk (typically by moth larvae), whereas a chrysalis is the hardened outer skin of a butterfly pupa.
• Rhymes for cocoon
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 17th century from French cocon, from Provençal coucoun ('eggshell, cocoon'), a diminutive of coco ('shell'), ultimately from Latin coccum ('berry' or 'scarlet insect gall').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.