cradling

[kreyd-l-ing] / ˈkreɪd l ɪŋ /

VERB

hold in arms; nurture

Synonyms

STRONG

lull nestle nourish nurse rock support tend

WEAK

watch over

Antonyms

STRONG

abandon ignore neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Audience members, seated in neat rows and cradling cocktails, enthusiastically applaud.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

“It’s like I got married ... sorry, Norm,” she said, cradling the statue.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

The second image shows Meghan tenderly cradling the princess as a newborn following her birth in 2021.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2025

At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the south of the Strip, Alaa Abu Hihal stands cradling his baby son Mohammed in his arms.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2025

She picked up Evan and dipped him under the nursing sheet, cradling him against her chest.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake