What does "cradle" mean?

1. (baby's bed) a small bed for a baby, often one that can rock from side to side. 2. (place of origin) the place where something important first began or was developed. 3. (device holder) a frame or stand used to hold a piece of equipment, like a phone or a tool. 4. (to hold gently) to hold something or someone very carefully and protectively in your arms. 5. (to rock) to move a baby or an object gently from side to side.

cradle

n. · v.

US //ˈkɹeɪdəɫ// UK //kɹˈeɪdəl// cra·dle

1 baby's bed (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a small bed for a baby, often one that can rock from side to side.

a small bed or cot for an infant, typically mounted on rockers or suspended to allow a swinging motion.

Example

The grandmother gently rocked the wooden cradle until the baby fell asleep.

Example

The antique cradle, carved from solid oak, had been passed down through four generations of the family.
- crib
- cot
- bassinet
2 place of origin (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the place where something important first began or was developed.

the place of origin or the environment in which something is nurtured during its early existence.

Example

Ancient Mesopotamia is often called the cradle of civilization.

Example

Historians often debate which specific valley served as the true cradle of the agricultural revolution.
- birthplace
- fount
- wellspring

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3 device holder (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

a frame or stand used to hold a piece of equipment, like a phone or a tool.

a supporting framework or rest designed to hold a specific object, such as a telephone receiver or a technical instrument.

Example

Make sure the phone is sitting correctly in its charging cradle.

Example

The technician placed the handheld scanner back into its cradle to synchronize the data with the central server.
4 to hold gently (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to hold something or someone very carefully and protectively in your arms.

to hold or support something protectively, typically by nesting it within the crook of the arm or in both hands.

Example

She cradled the injured bird in her hands until they reached the vet.

Example

He cradled the fragile manuscript with both hands, terrified that the brittle pages might crumble at the slightest pressure.
5 to rock (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to move a baby or an object gently from side to side.

to rock or move something in a manner resembling the motion of a cradle, often to soothe or stabilize.

Example

The mother cradled her child to sleep after the long journey.

Example

The gentle motion of the boat cradled the tired passengers into a light sleep as they crossed the calm bay.

Origin

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.

Idioms4 entries