cradling

American

[kreyd-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.

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

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

She got on her knees and shuffled back to the painting, peering at it without the vertigo of standing upright, cradling her hand to her chest.

From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi

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