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

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

"It's nerve-racking because it feels like it's out of our hands," says Kerensa Smith, cradling her 10-month-old daughter Ottilie.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2025

Still cradling the squirming cat, she knelt before the children and gazed at each face in turn.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood