cocoon

/kəˈkun/

/kəˈkun/

Other forms: cocoons; cocooned; cocooning

A cocoon is a silky web spun around the larvae of many insects. Caterpillars emerge from their cocoons as beautiful butterflies.

The word cocoon can also refer to a form of self-protection for humans. For some people, their house is a cocoon, a cozy retreat from which they can escape the world. They cocoon themselves away for a whole weekend, reading, watching TV, and not answering email or the phone. Another word for cocoon is chrysalis, but only in the context of insects.

Definitions of cocoon

1. noun

   silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs
   type of:

   natural object

   an object occurring naturally; not made by man
2. verb

   wrap in or as if in a cocoon, as for protection
   type of:

   enclose, enfold, envelop, enwrap, wrap

   enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
3. verb

   retreat as if into a cocoon, as from an unfriendly environment
   “Families cocoon around the T.V. set most evenings”

   “She loves to stay at home and cocoon”

   type of:

   retreat

   move away, as for privacy