cradle

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cra|dle /kr'eɪdəl/ (cradles cradling cradled)
1 [N-COUNT]
A cradle is a baby's bed with high sides. Cradles often have curved bases so that they rock from side to side.
= crib
2 [N-COUNT]
The cradle is the part of a telephone on which the receiver rests while it is not being used.
I dropped the receiver back in the cradle.
3 [N-COUNT]
A cradle is a frame which supports or protects something.
He fixed the towing cradle round the hull.
4 [N-COUNT] usu sing, the N of n
A place that is referred to as the cradle of something is the place where it began.
Mali is the cradle of some of Africa's richest civilizations.
5 [VERB] V n in n, V n
If you cradle someone or something in your arms or hands, you hold them carefully and gently.
I cradled her in my arms...
He was sitting at the big table cradling a large bowl of milky coffee.
6 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If something affects you from the cradle to the grave, it affects you throughout your life.
The bond of brotherhood was one to last from the cradle to the grave.

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