noun C2 Proficient

chrysalis

KRIH-suh-lihs

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Chrysalis (noun) means the hard protective case a caterpillar forms around itself while it transforms into a butterfly. Example: “The caterpillar hung motionless inside its chrysalis for two weeks.”

noun

The hard protective case a caterpillar forms around itself while it transforms into a butterfly.

"The caterpillar hung motionless inside its chrysalis for two weeks."

A stage of sheltered transformation or growth, used figuratively.

"College became a kind of chrysalis where she found her real voice as a writer."

How to use chrysalis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe protective shell a caterpillar makes while turning into a butterfly, or a period of quiet transformation.

Common mistake

A chrysalis is specifically the butterfly pupa case; a cocoon (silk-spun) is the moth equivalent — the two are often used interchangeably but technically differ.

Easily confused with

cocoon →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: chrysalises, chrysalides, chrysalisses
Third person singular: chrysalises
Past tense: chrysalised

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The caterpillar hung motionless inside its _____ for two weeks.

Etymology

From Latin chrysalis, from Greek khrusallís, related to khrusós (\"gold\") — likely a reference to the golden sheen of some species' pupal cases.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for chrysalis

digitalis

See all rhymes for chrysalis →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chrysalis” mean?

The word “chrysalis” means the hard protective case a caterpillar forms around itself while it transforms into a butterfly. In plain terms, the protective shell a caterpillar makes while turning into a butterfly, or a period of quiet transformation.

How do you pronounce “chrysalis”?

“Chrysalis” is pronounced KRIH-suh-lihs (/ˈkɹɪsəlɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “chrysalis” in a sentence?

Here is “chrysalis” used in a sentence: “The caterpillar hung motionless inside its chrysalis for two weeks.”

What part of speech is “chrysalis”?

“Chrysalis” is a noun.

Where does the word “chrysalis” come from?

The word “chrysalis” comes from Latin. From Latin chrysalis, from Greek khrusallís, related to khrusós (\"gold\") — likely a reference to the golden sheen of some species' pupal cases.

How many meanings does “chrysalis” have?

“Chrysalis” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the hard protective case a caterpillar forms around itself while it transforms into a butterfly.

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