cradle
5 synonyms for cradle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small bed for a baby that rocks or swings gently.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cradle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rock the cradle
cradle of civilization
cradle a baby
Etymology
From Old English cradol, related to a Germanic root for a wicker basket — the same family as the word "cart".
Full origin of cradle →Frequently asked questions
What does “cradle” mean?
The word “cradle” means a small bed for a baby that rocks or swings gently. In plain terms, a baby's rocking bed, or — more broadly — the place something began; as a verb, to hold something tenderly.
How do you pronounce “cradle”?
“Cradle” is pronounced KRAY-duhl (/ˈkɹeɪdəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cradle” in a sentence?
Here is “cradle” used in a sentence: “She rocked the cradle until the baby fell asleep.”
What part of speech is “cradle”?
Depending on how it is used, “cradle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cradle” come from?
The word “cradle” comes from Old English. From Old English cradol, related to a Germanic root for a wicker basket — the same family as the word "cart".
Is “cradle” a common word?
“Cradle” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cradle” have?
“Cradle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small bed for a baby that rocks or swings gently.
