cradle

1 of 2

noun

cra·​dle ˈkrā-dᵊl 

1

a

: a bed or cot for a baby usually on rockers or pivots

b

: a framework or support suggestive of a baby's cradle: such as

(1)

: a framework of bars and rods

(2)

: the support for a telephone receiver or handset

(3)

: a charging station for a device (such as a smartphone or tablet)

c

: an implement with rods like fingers attached to a scythe and used formerly for harvesting grain

d

: a frame to keep the bedclothes from contact with an injured part of the body

2

a

: the earliest period of life : infancy

from the cradle to the grave

b

: a place of origin

the cradle of civilization

3

: a rocking device used in panning for gold

cradle

2 of 2

verb

cradled; cradling ˈkrā-dᵊl-iŋ 

ˈkrād-liŋ

transitive verb

1

a

: to place or keep in or as if in a cradle

b

: shelter, rear

c

: to support protectively or intimately

cradling the injured man's head in her arms

2

: to cut (grain) with a cradle scythe

3

: to place, raise, support, or transport on a cradle

intransitive verb

obsolete : to rest in or as if in a cradle

Synonyms of cradle

Noun

• birthplace

Examples of cradle in a Sentence

Noun

She placed the phone back on its cradle.

A number of ships were resting in their cradles in the shipyard.

Verb

He cradled her face in his hands.

She was cradling the injured man's head in her arms.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Capital of Tuscany, cradle of the Renaissance, and one of Italy’s most popular destinations, Florence needs little introduction. — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

On July 4, in addition to watching the fireworks, millions of Americans were watching France take on Paraguay in the cradle of independence, Philadelphia. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Verb

The first photo showed a smiling Nicole cradling Kidman, dressed in a frilly white blouse and matching bow, at her hip. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Anne Hathaway cradles her growing bump in a stunning blue dress at the world premiere of The Odyssey on July 6 in London. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cradel, from Old English cradol; perhaps akin to Old High German kratto basket, Sanskrit grantha knot

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing cradle

• cat's cradle
• cradle cap
• from (the) cradle to (the) grave
• rob the cradle

Rhymes for cradle

• decadal
• ladle

Kids Definition

cradle

1 of 2 noun

cra·​dle ˈkrād-ᵊl 

1

: a bed for a baby usually on rockers

2

a

: a place of origin

the cradle of civilization

b

: the earliest period of life

3

: a framework or support resembling a baby's cradle in appearance or use

4

: a tool with rods like fingers attached to a scythe and used formerly for harvesting grain

5

: a rocking tool used in panning for gold

6

: a support for a telephone handset

cradle

2 of 2 verb

cradled; cradling ˈkrād-liŋ 

-ᵊl-iŋ

1

a

: to place or keep in or as if in a cradle

b

: to protect and cherish lovingly

2

: to cut grain with a cradle

3

: to wash in a miner's cradle

Medical Definition

cradle

noun

cra·​dle ˈkrād-ᵊl 

1

: a bed or cot for a baby usually on rockers or pivots

2

a

: a frame to keep the bedclothes from contact with an injured part of the body

b

: a frame placed on the neck of an animal to keep it from biting an injury or sore