IPA: /kəˈkuːnɪŋ/
KK: /kəˈkunɪŋ/
The act of staying at home and enjoying leisure time instead of going out.
During the winter months, many people enjoy cocooning with a good book and a warm blanket.
Cocooning is derived from the word 'cocoon' (from French 'cocon', meaning a protective covering or case) and the suffix '-ing' (indicating the action or process of). The term 'cocooning' refers to the act of staying in a safe, comfortable environment, much like a caterpillar in a cocoon.
Imagine a caterpillar wrapped in a protective case ('cocoon') and think of the action of staying safe and cozy at home, which is what 'cocooning' means.