A cradle is a baby's bed with high sides. Cradles often have curved bases so that they rock from side to side.

The cradle is the part of a telephone on which the receiver rests while it is not being used.

A cradle is a frame which supports or protects something.

A place that is referred to as the cradle of something is the place where it began.

If you cradle someone or something in your arms or hands, you hold them carefully and gently.

If something affects you from the cradle to the grave, it affects you throughout your life.