Definition of the word cradle

The word "cradle" has its origins in Old English. The first recorded use of the word "cradle" dates back to the 9th century, derived from the Old English words "cridel" or "cridlian," which referred to a basket or a bed. The word is thought to have been influenced by the Latin word "crida," meaning "to enclose" or "to surround." In the Middle English period (around the 13th to 15th centuries), the word "cradle" began to take on its modern meaning, referring to a bed or a device used to rock or hold a baby. The word has since evolved to encompass various meanings, including a metaphorical "cradle" for an idea or a device for supporting something fragile. Despite its evolution, the word's roots remain tied to its Old English origins as a term for a basket or bed.