swaddling v. + Add to list UK //swˈɒdlɪŋ// swad·dling SynonymsEtymology Synonyms swaddleswatheOriginMEswaþelynge→ENswaddling From Middle English swaþelynge; equivalent to swaddle + -ing. Idioms1 entry01swaddling clothesAn early period in development, infancy, the beginnings of something; inception.