Pronunciation: [kɹˈe͡ɪdə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "cradles" is spelled with an "s" at the end, even though it may sound like there should be a "z" because of the voiced "l" sound. This is due to English spelling conventions, where certain endings are spelled with "s" instead of "z". In IPA phonetic transcription, "cradles" is pronounced /ˈkreɪ.dəlz/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "l" sound represented by a symbol that shows it is voiced.
Cradles can be defined as noun or verb, with distinct meanings.
As a noun, cradles refer to small, curved structures or devices designed to hold, support, or protect something. It could be a small bed or crib for an infant, typically having enclosed sides to prevent the baby from falling. In this context, cradles are considered essential for ensuring the safety, comfort, and sleep of babies.
Moreover, the term can also encompass support structures used in various settings. For instance, cradles can refer to frames or holders that secure fragile objects during transportation or storage to prevent damage. They are commonly utilized in the shipping and construction industries to safeguard delicate or expensive materials, such as glass panes or electronic equipment.
As a verb, to cradle refers to the act of holding or supporting something gently and protectively within one's arms or hands. It implies a caring and nurturing gesture, often associated with the gentle rocking motion associated with comforting or calming a baby. Additionally, cradling can involve the act of safeguarding something precious or fragile, metaphorically referring to the protective care and support provided to an idea, project, or cherished possession.
In summary, cradles encompass both physical structures and nurturing actions. They signify the protective support, comfort, and safety provided to infants, fragile objects, or cherished concepts and possessions.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cradles" derives from the Old English word "cradol" or "cradel", which itself is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "kradolaz" or "kradolazō" meaning "small bed". This term ultimately goes back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kert", which conveys the idea of "to weave" or "to plait". Over time, "cradol" evolved into "cradle" in Middle English and eventually became "cradles" in its plural form.
