1. plural of coddler; people who treat someone with excessive care or indulgence, especially in a way that prevents them from becoming independent or resilient
Usage: usually used in a critical or disapproving sense
2. plural of coddler; small cups or containers used for cooking eggs in hot water
Usage: kitchen equipment sense; less common in modern usage

Examples

• The parents were criticized as coddlers for never letting their children face any challenges.
• Some teachers believe that coddlers in the home make it harder for students to handle academic pressure.
• The grandmother's coddlers of her grandchildren meant they rarely learned to solve problems on their own.
• Victorian-era coddlers were decorative porcelain cups used to serve soft-boiled eggs at breakfast.
• She accused the coaches of being coddlers who protected star players from any real consequences.
• The antique egg coddlers were displayed in the china cabinet as collectible kitchen items.