cradle cradle /ˈkreɪdəl/

noun

1. () A baby bed with sides and rockers  ( cradle )
   a baby bed with sides and rockers
    The baby slept soundly in the cradle, rocking gently.
   The baby slept soundly in the cradle, rocking gently.
   
   
2. () Where something originated or was nurtured in its early existence  ( birthplace , provenience [American] , cradle , place of origin , provenance )
   where something originated or was nurtured in its early existence
    The birthplace of civilization
   the birthplace of civilization
   
3. A trough that can be rocked back and forth; used by gold miners to shake auriferous earth in water in order to separate the gold  ( cradle , rocker )
   a trough that can be rocked back and forth; used by gold miners to shake auriferous earth in water in order to separate the gold
   
   
4. Birth of a person  ( cradle )
   birth of a person
    He was taught from the cradle never to cry
   he was taught from the cradle never to cry
   

verb

1. () Hold gently and carefully  ( cradle )
   hold gently and carefully
    He cradles the child in his arms
   He cradles the child in his arms
   
2. (lacrosse) run with the stick  ( cradle )
   (lacrosse) run with the stick
   
3. Wash in a cradle  ( cradle )
   wash in a cradle
    Cradle gold
   cradle gold
   
4. Cut grain with a cradle scythe  ( cradle )
   cut grain with a cradle scythe
   
5. Hold or place in or as if in a cradle  ( cradle )
   hold or place in or as if in a cradle
    He cradled the infant in his arms
   He cradled the infant in his arms
   
6. Bring up from infancy  ( cradle )
   bring up from infancy