kapok

noun

ka·​pok ˈkā-ˌpäk 

1

or kapok tree : a massive tropical deciduous tree (Ceiba pentandra) of the mallow 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

Word History

Etymology

Malay

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

kapok

noun

ka·​pok ˈkā-ˌpäk 

: 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