<p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>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.</li><li>any of various similar protective coverings in nature, as the silky case in which certain spiders enclose their eggs.</li><li>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.</li><li>any encompassingly protective or hermetic wrapping or enclosure resembling a cocoon: a cocoon of gauze.</li></ul><p><strong>verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) to produce a cocoon.</li><li>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.</li><li>(used with object) to wrap or enclose tightly, as if in a cocoon: The doctor cocooned the patient in blankets.</li><li>to provide (machinery, guns, etc.) with a protective, airtight covering by spraying with polyvinyl chloride or the like.</li><li>to envelop or surround protectively; insulate: a political leader cocooned by his staff and his bodyguards.</li></ul>