cradle-to-grave

American  

[kreyd-l-tuh-greyv] / ˈkreɪd l təˈgreɪv /

adjective

1. extending throughout one's life, from birth to death.

   a cradle-to-grave system of healthcare.

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Etymology

Origin of cradle-to-grave

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

After 25 years at Cravath, Barshay’s decision to leave a position once considered a cradle-to-grave job and join Paul Weiss was a shock in legal circles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

This "cradle-to-grave" approach considers inputs such as fertilizer, water, and energy, along with outputs like emissions and waste.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

Villarreal: Typically with musical biopics, or often with musical biopics, it’s sometimes a cradle-to-grave story.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2025

Her stoicism captures the reverence that Britons have for their cradle-to-grave health system, but also their rueful sense that it is broken.

From New York Times • Jul. 16, 2023

There was more than one event in the cradle-to-grave career of Madame Jumel that called for and received the kindly mystery shroud.

From Superwomen by Terhune, Albert Payson

Related Words

• career
• life
• period