noun
plural cradles
[count] a bed for a baby that is usually designed to rock back and forth when pushed gently
formal :the place where something begins - usually singular; usually + of
something that is used to hold or support something else
Brit :a platform designed to move up and down the sides of a building so that workers can paint, clean, etc. - see also cat's cradle
from (the) cradle to (the) grave
from the beginning until the end of life
rob the cradle
US informal :to date or marry someone who is much younger than you
verb
cradles; cradled; cradling
[+ obj] :to hold (something or someone) gently in your arms or hands
US