kapok

noun

ka·​pok ˈkā-ˌpäk How to pronounce kapok (audio)
1
or kapok tree : a massive tropical deciduous tree (Ceiba pentandra) of the silk-cotton family that has a trunk with short, sharp prickles, a buttressed base, and porous lightweight wood and that bears large seedpods containing numerous silky fibers
2
: a mass of silky fibers that surrounds the seeds of the kapok tree and are used especially as a filling for mattresses, pillows, life preservers, and sleeping bags and as insulation

Examples of kapok in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Kapok: Originally from the kapok tree, the kapok used in pillows is a silky, cotton-like fiber known for being soft and luxurious. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 27 Feb. 2023 The beloved Avocado Organic pillow now comes in a 20-by-12-inch to-go size, with the same firm feel and organic kapok-fiber fill, plus an optional machine-washable cotton cover ($19). The Editors, Outside Online, 2 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kapok.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Malay

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kapok was in 1735

Dictionary Entries Near kapok

Cite this Entry

“Kapok.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kapok. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kapok

noun
ka·​pok ˈkā-ˌpäk How to pronounce kapok (audio)
: a mass of silky fibers that cover the seeds of a large tropical tree and are used as a filling for mattresses, life preservers, and sleeping bags

More from Merriam-Webster on kapok

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