noun
cocoon
kuh-KOON
noun
1
A silky protective case spun by insect larvae, in which they transform into their adult form.
"The caterpillar spun a cocoon and emerged weeks later as a moth."
verb
1
To wrap or shelter someone or something protectively, often cutting it off from the outside world.
"She cocooned herself in blankets during the storm."
"He cocooned himself away from the news for a few days."
How to Use Cocoon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA silky protective wrapping made by insects, or (as a verb) to wrap something up snugly and protectively.
Common pairings
spin a cocoon
cocoon yourself
emerge from a cocoon
Word Forms
cocooned past tense, cocoons plural, cocoons singular
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The caterpillar spun a _____ and emerged weeks later as a moth.
Etymology
From French cocon, a diminutive of coque, "shell."