Peter Mayle
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Since at least the late 1600s, English speakers have been using the noun cocoon for the silky covering that surrounds a caterpillar or other insect larva in the pupa stage of metamorphosis. The word derives, via French cocon, from Occitan coucoun, which, in turn, emerged from coco, an Occitan term for "shell." Linguists believe the Occitan term was probably born of the Latin word coccum, a noun that has been translated as kermes, which refers to the dried bodies of some insects that are sometimes found on certain trees. The verb cocoon has been with us since the latter half of the 19th century.
Synonyms
Noun
Verb
Examples of cocoon in a Sentence
Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024
Every year, Swire Properties chooses a different design or architectural practice to create this space, which serves as a cocoon for their VIP guests to take a breath and form connections.
—Kissa Castañeda, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
California’s high-speed rail train could feature an indoor play area for children and seating options that would allow people to meet as a group or cocoon in a reading nook.
—Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024
Indonesian fried chicken is a far cry from the American buttermilk and corn flakes fare, swapping out a thick crust for an ultra-thin cocoon of glassy chicken skin.
—The Indianapolis Star, 25 Jan. 2024
Inside this cocoon, the pupa transforms into an adult crane fly.
—The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2024
Swing Hammock Pod Chair $40 $36 Hefner adds that in addition to a loft bed with curtains, her son also has a cocoon swing that is very effective for him.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 8 Mar. 2024
Gone are the out-out dresses and Nike Air Jordans, replaced by Louis Vuitton cocoon coats, Khaite denim, and The Row ballet flats.
—Daniel Rodgers, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024
The shapes nodded to paper doll versions of couture tropes, so the New Look skirts, cocoon dresses, egg coats all looked as if they had been made of construction paper (or a leather or wool version of it) and a flocked velvet print resembled a scribble.
—Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2024
Jacey Fortin Mike Belleme, New York Times, 21 Oct. 2023
Lying down for 30 minutes, cocooned by soothing music and gentle vibrations, worked immediate wonders on my parasympathetic system.
—Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Mar. 2024
The two years of panic and cocooning for many people, being laid off or doing Zoom meetings at home (without the need to travel), made the airline industry’s woes inescapable once the nation and the economy reawakened.
—Peter Georgescu, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Meanwhile, Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument puts the spotlight on glowing dust surrounding the stars, as well as red still-forming stars cocooned in the very gas and dust that aids stellar growth.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 1 Feb. 2024
The Emira’s cockpit comfortably cocoons two passengers, as Lotus finally realized what the rest of the world knew all along, that the Evora’s rear seats were completely useless.
—Steven Ewing, Ars Technica, 20 June 2023
The aromas had to be fresh and clean– like me-time in a foaming bath– while also cocooning and relaxing– like floating in hot, soothing water.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 12 Dec. 2023
That’s because the property’s 70 villas are built amid verdant jungle canopies that serve to cocoon your experience while also offering easy access to 650 feet of private oceanfront.
—John Vorwald, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023
The round, plush bed is a soft and comfortable place for your dog to rest because its edges cocoon them with a sense of security.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cocoon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cocoon
Cite this Entry
“Cocoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocoon. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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