cradle

noun
UK: /ˈkreɪ.dəl/
US: /ˈkreɪ.dəl/

  1. A baby's bed with curved sides that can be gently rocked.

    1. The baby is sleeping soundly in the cradle.
    2. The old wooden cradle has been passed down through generations in my family.

  2. The place where something important began.

    1. Greece is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization.
    2. This region served as the cradle of the industrial revolution, fostering innovation.

Synonyms

bassinet nestle source cot cherish crib origin
cradle transitive-verb

  1. To hold gently and protectively.

    1. She cradled the injured bird in her hands.
    2. He gently cradled the precious artifact, protecting it from any harm.

  2. To hold something in a way that supports and protects it.

    1. The mountains cradle the village, shielding it from harsh winds.
    2. The valley is cradled by the rolling hills, creating a picturesque landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "cradle" in English means: A baby's bed with curved sides that can be gently rocked., The place where something important began..

The phonetic transcription of "cradle" is /ˈkreɪ.dəl/ in British English and /ˈkreɪ.dəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "cradle": bassinet, nestle, source, cot, cherish, crib, origin.

Example usage of "cradle": "The baby is sleeping soundly in the cradle.". More examples on the page.