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

Roberts, 40, could be seen cradling her baby bump in front of a Christmas tree in a photo gallery shared on Instagram.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

Suddenly, Henry, 6, walks into the dads’ circle, cradling three baby dolls.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2025

Green’s former bandmate, drummer Mick Fleetwood, is also pictured cradling the guitar.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

He’s cradling his Dreamers book in one hand now, and the shuttle’s control in the other.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera