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.

She shared two photos of herself in a white outfit cradling her baby bump as Kaplan holds her leg and smiles at her.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

To the left, “Painting and Sculpture” clutches a palette while cradling a miniaturized replica of the Dionysus torso from the Parthenon.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Trump's spokeswoman -- who is best known for her acid put-downs of journalists -- posted a picture of herself in a nursery, cradling her baby daughter to her chest.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

In one image, a radiant Kiara waved at the camera, Joel’s hands cradling her belly.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Grant Burch was half-sitting up, cradling his right hand in his left and squinting with agony.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell