cradle

A small bed for a baby that can move gently backwards and forwards.

• The baby slept in a cradle.
• She gently rocked the cradle with her foot.
• They put a soft blanket inside the wooden cradle.

Common phrases: a wooden cradle, in the cradle, rock a cradle

The earliest part of someone’s life, beginning at birth.

• She had known him from the cradle.
• Music surrounded him from the cradle.
• The story follows her life from the cradle to the grave.

How to use it: from the cradle to the grave (The scheme provides support from the cradle to the grave.)

Similar words: infancy

Common phrases: from the cradle, cradle to grave

A strong frame that supports a boat while it is being built or repaired.

• The boat rests on a cradle.
• Workers checked the cradle before repairing the hull.
• The shipyard built a steel cradle for the damaged vessel.

Similar words: support frame

Common phrases: boat cradle, repair cradle, on a cradle, launching cradle

To hold someone or something gently and carefully, often in your arms.

• She cradled the baby in her arms.
• He cradled a warm cup between his hands.
• The nurse gently cradled the injured man’s head.

How to use it: cradle someone/something in your arms/hands (He cradled the injured bird in his hands.)

Similar words: hold, cuddle

Common phrases: cradle someone’s head, cradle in arms, cradle a cup

To move a baby gently backwards and forwards to help them sleep.

• She cradled the baby to sleep.
• He softly sang as he cradled his newborn.
• The mother cradled her restless child until he fell asleep.

How to use it: cradle someone to sleep (She cradled her daughter to sleep.)

Similar words: rock

Common phrases: cradle a baby, cradle someone to sleep

To contain something in a bed or support, or surround it as a protective space.

• The frame cradles the boat.
• Green hills cradled the quiet village.
• The fitted base cradles the glass sphere securely.

Similar words: contain, support

Common phrases: cradle a boat, cradle a village