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Added 9 October 2026

cocoon

/kəˈkuːn/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cocoon at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs.

verb

Retreat as if into a cocoon, as from an unfriendly environment.
Families cocoon around the T.V. set most evenings
Wrap in or as if in a cocoon, as for protection.

Origin

From French cocon, a diminutive of coque (“shell”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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