cradling

American

[krayd-l-ing] / ˈkreɪd l ɪŋ /

noun

framework for supporting a coved or vaulted ceiling.

cradling British

/ ˈkreɪdlɪŋ /

noun

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.

See Examples For:

cradling

Inside a dimly lit room, participants slept with monitors attached to their heads, some cradling stuffed toys in their beds.

From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026

Chris Manak walked into his Highland Park bar Gold Line cradling a formidable lizard.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

The elderly grimace, hobbling on crutches, and wide-eyed children stare, cradling chickens carried from homes they were forced to leave behind.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

“Turn a little bit sideways!” a photographer requested, and Hathaway laughed and complied, cradling her stomach proudly.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

Mom watched me from the doorway, cradling two cups of tea.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram

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