bassinet

American  

[bas-uh-net, bas-uh-net] / ˌbæs əˈnɛt, ˈbæs əˌnɛt /

noun

1. a basket with a hood over one end, for use as a baby's cradle.

2. a style of perambulator resembling this.

3. Armor. basinet.

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bassinet British  

/ ˌbæsɪˈnɛt /

noun

1. a wickerwork or wooden cradle or pram, usually hooded

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Etymology

Origin of bassinet

1570–80; < French: pan; see basin, -et

Explanation

A bassinet is a small basket used as a bed for a baby. A bassinet is portable, making it easy to carry the baby around. The et ending in bassinet is a clue that this is something small, specifically a small basket used for carrying a baby. The baby also can sleep in the bassinet. Like baby clothes, the bassinet will be quickly outgrown, but it's very helpful for awhile. A bassinet is a common present for a mother to receive at a baby shower. Awwww.

Example Sentences

“He had just finished setting up the bassinet, shelves, and his baby basket,” said Trejo.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Shen bought a used bassinet — which retails for $300 new — for $30, for example.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 14, 2026

These infants were typically found in an adult bed, chair or couch instead of the crib or bassinet recommended by sleep experts.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2024

Is the toddler photographed by Peter Magubane with his arms outstretched in a wicker bassinet really preaching, as the title says, to the crowd of babies in a South African orphanage?

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2024

Layla and Gigi whispered to each other while they put Evan to sleep in his bassinet next to Mom and Dad’s bed.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake