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cradling

American  
[kreyd-l-ing] / ˈkreɪd l ɪŋ /

noun

  1. framework for supporting a coved or vaulted ceiling.

cradling British  
/ ˈkreɪdlɪŋ /

noun

  1. architect a framework of iron or wood, esp as used in the construction of a ceiling

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cradling

First recorded in 1810–20; cradle + -ing 1

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.

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

“It’s like I got married ... sorry, Norm,” she said, cradling the statue.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

The second image shows Meghan tenderly cradling the princess as a newborn following her birth in 2021.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

Somewhere in the confusion he saw Dulcet cradling Boots and hurrying from the hall with the ever-faithful Temp behind them.

From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.