cradle
n. countablen. a small bed for a baby, often one that rocks back and forth.
n. a small bed designed for an infant, typically featuring a rocking mechanism or suspension system.
The baby sleeps soundly in the cradle.
She placed the newborn gently into the wooden cradle beside the window.
The rhythmic creaking of the old cradle provided a soothing backdrop to the quiet evening, masking the distant sounds of the city.
From Middle English cradel, credel, from Old English cradol, from Proto-West Germanic kradul, from Proto-Germanic kradulaz, from Proto-Germanic *kradô (“(wicker) basket”). Related to cart.
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cat's cradle
Any complicated structure that appears to be without purpose.
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cradle robber
A person who marries or becomes romantically involved with someone who is much younger, or who employs or otherwise engages a young person for a purpose inappropriate for his or her age.
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cradle snatcher
A person who prefers to date people significantly younger than themselves.