cradle
/ˈkreɪdəl/
verb
- To hold something gently and carefully, as if protecting it.
- She cradled the injured bird in her hands until it calmed down.
- He cradled the trophy carefully, afraid to drop it.
- The mother cradled her baby in her arms and sang softly.
- To support or hold something in a protective or secure way.
- The mechanic cradled the fragile part in a foam-lined box.
- The mountains cradle the valley, sheltering it from harsh winds.
- She cradled the phone between her ear and shoulder while typing.
noun
- A baby's bed, especially one that can be rocked gently from side to side.
- The baby fell asleep in her cradle after a warm bottle.
- He gently rocked the wooden cradle with his foot while reading.
- They bought a hand-me-down cradle from a neighbor for their newborn.
- The place where something important began or developed.
- This small town was the cradle of the modern computer industry.
- The river valley is considered the cradle of agriculture in the region.
- Ancient Greece is often called the cradle of Western civilization.
- A frame or support that holds something in place, especially during construction or repair.
- The workers used a cradle to hold the pipe while they welded it.
- A metal cradle supports the engine during maintenance.
- The phone sat in a charging cradle on the desk.