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.

Steinfeld flaunted her pregnancy during the awards circuit earlier this year, cradling her baby bump at the red carpet for the Golden Globe Awards.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

“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

Her dad was sitting on the couch, cradling his mug of steaming coffee, a thick book opened before him.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser