# cradle

/ˈkɹeɪdəɫ/ (US) · /kɹˈeɪdəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cradle
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. baby's bed

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The grandmother gently rocked the wooden cradle until the baby fell asleep.
- The antique cradle, carved from solid oak, had been passed down through four generations of the family.

### 2. place of origin

noun · CEFR B2

the place where something important first began or was developed.

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

- Ancient Mesopotamia is often called the cradle of civilization.
- Historians often debate which specific valley served as the true cradle of the agricultural revolution.

### 3. device holder

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- Make sure the phone is sitting correctly in its charging cradle.
- The technician placed the handheld scanner back into its cradle to synchronize the data with the central server.

### 4. to hold gently

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- She cradled the injured bird in her hands until they reached the vet.
- He cradled the fragile manuscript with both hands, terrified that the brittle pages might crumble at the slightest pressure.

### 5. to rock

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The mother cradled her child to sleep after the long journey.
- The gentle motion of the boat cradled the tired passengers into a light sleep as they crossed the calm bay.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.