- the silky envelope spun by the larvae of many kinds of insects, as silkworms, serving as a covering for the insect during its stage as a pupa.
- any of various similar protective coverings in nature, as the silky case in which certain spiders enclose their eggs.
- a protective covering, usually consisting of polyvinyl chloride, sprayed over machinery, large guns on board ships, etc., to provide an airtight seal and prevent rust during long periods of storage.
- any encompassingly protective or hermetic wrapping or enclosure resembling a cocoon: a cocoon of gauze.
- to produce a cocoon.
- to spend time at home rather than going out to socialize, especially when enjoying comforting, quiet leisure activities or entertainment: After a certain age you realize you’d rather skip the club and just cocoon with the hubby, watching a movie on the sofa.
- to wrap or enclose tightly, as if in a cocoon: The doctor cocooned the patient in blankets.
- to provide (machinery, guns, etc.) with a protective, airtight covering by spraying with polyvinyl chloride or the like.
- to envelop or surround protectively; insulate: a political leader cocooned by his staff and his bodyguards.
- a silky protective envelope secreted by silkworms and certain other insect larvae, in which the pupae develop
- a similar covering for the eggs of the spider, earthworm, etc
- a protective spray covering used as a seal on machinery
- a cosy warm covering
- to wrap in a cocoon
