Bassinet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bassinet

[ˌbæsɪˈnɛt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

baby sleeping

A small bed specifically designed for a newborn or very young baby. It usually has a hood or cover to protect the baby from light.

Synonyms

cot, cradle, crib.

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Word Description / Examples
bassinet

A bassinet is a baby bed characterized by its small size and lightweight. It's often used for newborns and young infants. It is typically portable and can be placed next to the parents' bed.

  • We put the baby in the bassinet right next to our bed.
  • The lightweight bassinet was easy to move from room to room.
crib

A crib is a bed for a baby or young child, usually with high bars to prevent the child from falling out. It is often larger than a bassinet and used as the child grows older.

  • The baby finally outgrew the bassinet and moved to a crib.
  • They set up the crib in the nursery for their new baby.
cot

A cot refers to a small bed for babies or young children, often with high sides to prevent the child from falling out. In some countries, 'cot' is synonymous with 'crib'.

  • The baby was safely sleeping in her cot.
  • They bought a new cot for their nursery.
cradle

A cradle is a small bed for a baby that can be rocked back and forth. It's smaller than a crib and typically more of a traditional design.

  • The gentle rocking motion of the cradle soothed the baby to sleep.
  • They placed the newborn in a beautifully crafted wooden cradle.

Examples of usage

  • The baby slept peacefully in the bassinet next to the parents' bed.
  • She gently placed the newborn in the bassinet before heading to bed.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A wheeled structure used in hospitals to transport patients who are unable to walk.

Synonyms

gurney, stretcher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bassinet

This is just another repetition of the first word. It should refer to the same context as the first entry.

  • The hospital provided a bassinet for the newborn.
  • A portable bassinet is very convenient for traveling with an infant.
gurney

This term refers to a wheeled stretcher used in hospitals to transport patients from one place to another, such as from an ambulance to the emergency room.

  • The paramedics quickly placed the injured man on the gurney.
  • She was wheeled into the operating room on a gurney.
stretcher

A stretcher is a flat surface used for carrying patients who cannot walk or are seriously injured. It can be used in emergency situations and by rescue teams. Unlike a gurney, a stretcher doesn't have wheels.

  • The rescue team carried the hiker down the trail on a stretcher.
  • After the accident, the wounded were laid on stretchers and taken to the hospital.

Examples of usage

  • The nurse pushed the bassinet carrying the patient down the hallway.
  • The hospital provided a bassinet for the elderly patient to move around easily.

Translations

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Origin of 'bassinet'

The term 'bassinet' originates from the Old French word 'bassinet' meaning 'helmet' or 'coif'. Its use in English evolved to refer to a small bed for babies in the 19th century. Over time, the design and functionality of bassinets have improved to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space for infants.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,998, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.