cocoon 1 of 2

noun

kə-ˈkün How to pronounce cocoon (audio)
Definition of cocoonnext
1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it he retired to the cocoon of his study whenever he'd had enough of the company

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in buffer
something that serves as a protective barrier as the TV had been packed in a cocoon of Styrofoam, it arrived in one piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

cocoon

2 of 2

verb

as in to wrap
to surround or cover closely cocooned in puffy down parkas, we braved the bitter cold as best we could

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cocoon
Noun
If mass transfer occurs too early, say millions of years before the final supernova blast, the team found that the material spreads far away from the binary stars, dissipating the surrounding cocoon. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 July 2026 The model wore a cocoon of black feathers that extended from the top of her head down to her torso. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 8 July 2026
Verb
The most joyful moments unfold in the four bedrooms, where cocooning colors and eccentric lamps dredged up from arcane reaches of the internet lend each a distinct sense of place. — Sarah Medford, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2026 Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or cocooning honeymooners, this cozy spot away from the crowds is less than a 10-minute drive to the island’s caldera. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cocoon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocoon
  1. sheath
  2. buffer
  3. wrap
  4. casing
  5. shield
  6. envelop
  7. housing
  8. cushion
Noun
  • Nature also developed myelin, the fatty sheath around nerve fibers that allows electrical signals to travel up to 100 times faster than through unmyelinated neurons.
    — Bratin Saha, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The two-time Olympic champion from Norway hadn’t raced since having surgery early this year to clean up scar tissue on the protective sheath around his left Achilles tendon.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheath
Noun
  • Building cardiorespiratory fitness and maintaining a consistent exercise practice may provide leaders with an additional buffer during those demanding periods.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Seko is advising shippers to build seven- to 10-day-plus buffers into east China bookings and prepare for potential port omissions, blank sailings and cargo diversions to alternative gateways including Qingdao, Busan and Hong Kong.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • At the supply intake area, Yeh saw a new volunteer awkwardly unpacking a package of beans layered two cans deep, wrapped in plastic.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Bel-Air, which wrapped its four-season run in December, is a reimagining of the classic 1990s Will Smith sitcom based on Morgan Cooper’s short fan film of that name.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of wrap
Noun
  • If internal fluid pressure drops during aggressive extraction, the surrounding earth squeezes the cavern inward, permanently shrinking total storage capacity and crushing steel well casings.
    — Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Five bullet casings were recovered from the scene, where Hernandez-Lopez was pronounced dead.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of casing
Noun
  • An adult purple gallinule has a bright purple and green body with a pale blue marking that resembles a shield above its red and yellow bill.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Protective, almost — which makes sense, as its stunning chandeliers are designed to look like the shields and spears of African Masai warriors.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • Save this for cold weather to truly savor its rich, enveloping smokiness.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The walls, doors, moldings, and ceilings are now bathed in three different warm hues that envelop the spaces seamlessly, creating a chromatic narrative more akin to a painting than a sleek, big-city apartment.
    — Valentina Lonati, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of envelop
Noun
  • People may also be experiencing housing insecurity, poverty, trauma, mental illness, HIV, or other chronic conditions.
    — Joel Teron, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Reserves matter more than in conventional lending; underwriters like to see several months of housing payments sitting in the bank after closing, and more for larger loans.
    — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of housing
Noun
  • Outfitted with removable striped Sunbrella cushion covers that are UV-resistant and a cinch to clean, this sun lounger is the type of design that will keep your pool open as long as possible.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • An emergeny fund provides a cushion if you're hit with a surprise expense or your usual source of income dries up.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cushion

Browse Nearby Words

coconspirators
cocoon
cocooned
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Cite this Entry

“Cocoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocoon. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cocoon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cocoon

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