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cradle

1 cradle /ˈkreɪdl̟/ noun
plural cradles
1 cradle
/ˈkreɪdl̟/
noun
plural cradles
Britannica Dictionary definition of CRADLE
[count]
: a bed for a baby that is usually designed to rock back and forth when pushed gently sometimes used figuratively
formal : the place where something begins usually singular usually + of
: something that is used to hold or support something else
British : a platform designed to move up and down the sides of a building so that workers can paint, clean, etc.

from (the) cradle to (the) grave

: from the beginning until the end of life

rob the cradle

US, informal
: to date or marry someone who is much younger than you
see also cat's cradle
2 cradle /ˈkreɪdl̟/ verb
cradles; cradled; cradling
2 cradle
/ˈkreɪdl̟/
verb
cradles; cradled; cradling
Britannica Dictionary definition of CRADLE
[+ object]
: to hold (something or someone) gently in your arms or hands