cradle
Translation
crib, bassinet, birthplace, holder
Examples
The baby was sleeping peacefully in the cradle.
The baby was sleeping peacefully in the crib.
Greece is the cradle of Western civilisation.
Greece is the cradle of Western civilization.
He placed the phone back in its cradle.
He placed the phone back in its cradle.
Grammar Patterns
((a)) cradle a bed for a baby The baby slept in the cradle.
((the)) cradle ((of sth.)) the place where (sth.) began Greece is the cradle of democracy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: crib, bassinet (for baby); origin, birthplace (figurative)
Etymology
From Old English 'cradol', related to the German word 'Kratte' (basket).
Memory Tips
Think of a baby's cradle as a place of origin and safety. This helps remember both the literal meaning and the figurative one, like 'the cradle of democracy'.