1. a small bed for a baby, typically on rockers
2. a place where something begins or develops
3. a framework or support that holds something

1. to hold gently and protectively
2. to care for during early development

Examples

• The baby slept peacefully in her wooden cradle.
• Ancient Mesopotamia is often called the cradle of civilization.
• The phone rested in its charging cradle on the desk.
• She cradled the injured bird in her hands.
• The university cradles many promising young scientists.
• He gently cradled his newborn son.
• The valley cradles a small farming community.