cradle
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: cradles · cradling · cradled
Sense 1
A bed or cot for a baby, oscillating on rockers or swinging on pivots.
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
The place of origin, or in which anything is nurtured or protected in the earlier period of existence.
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To contain in or as if in a cradle.
Verb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
To rock (a baby to sleep).
Verb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “cradle” mean?
A bed or cot for a baby, oscillating on rockers or swinging on pivots.
Is “cradle” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.