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¹cradle

noun cra·dle \ˈkrā-d^əl\

: a bed for a baby that is usually designed to rock back and forth when pushed gently

: the place where something begins

: something that is used to hold or support something else

Full Definition of CRADLE

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

b : a framework or support suggestive of a baby's cradle: as (1) : a framework of bars and rods (2) : the support for a telephone receiver or handset

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

a : the earliest period of life : infancy <from the cradle to the grave>

b : a place of origin <the cradle of civilization>

: a rocking device used in panning for gold

See cradle defined for English-language learners

See cradle defined for kids

Origin of CRADLE

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to CRADLE

Synonyms: birthplace, home, mother country, motherland

Other Furniture and Woodworking Terms

appoint, credenza, mission, settee

Rhymes with CRADLE

dreidel, ladle, wedel

²cradle

verb

: to hold (something or someone) gently in your arms or hands

cra·dledcra·dling \ˈkrād-liŋ, ˈkrā-d^əl-iŋ\

Full Definition of CRADLE

transitive verb

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>

: to cut (grain) with a cradle scythe

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

intransitive verb

obsolete : to rest in or as if in a cradle

See cradle defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CRADLE

15th century

Rhymes with CRADLE

ladle

CRADLE Defined for Kids

¹cradle

noun cra·dle \ˈkrā-d^əl\

Definition of CRADLE for Kids

: a baby's bed usually on rockers

: place of beginning <the cradle of civilization>

: the earliest period of life <I was pampered from the cradle.>

: a framework or support resembling a baby's bed in appearance or use <a phone's cradle>

²cradle

verb

cra·dledcra·dling

Definition of CRADLE for Kids

: to hold or support in or as if in a cradle <She cradled my head in her arms.>

Medical Dictionary

cradle

noun cra·dle \ˈkrād-^əl\

Medical Definition of CRADLE

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

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