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.

He is cradling the ball in his left hand and warding off impending tacklers with his right, a striking bronze symbol of a university’s resilience and strength.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

Rocki Irish Mayers was born on 13 September, the singer announced in an Instagram post, sharing a snap of her cradling her daughter alongside a picture of miniature pink boxing gloves.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2025

The wife of former prime minister Boris Johnson shared a selfie from a hospital bed while cradling the couple's fourth child, five-week-old Poppy, on Friday evening.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2025

Annie was asleep on the couch, still cradling Jack-Jack, when Luke finally gave up on sleeping.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss