CuNa

Cuna is a Spanish noun meaning cradle or crib, the small bed used for infants. The word is feminine (la cuna) and has the plural cunas. In addition to naming the object itself, cuna is used in a wide range of expressions and contexts.

A common figurative use is to describe the place or period where something originates, often translated as “cradle” in English. For example, phrases like la cuna de la civilización (the cradle of civilization) designate the origin or early development of civilizations, movements, ideas, or cultures. This metaphor extends to discussions of origins in history, archaeology, and cultural studies, as well as in journalism and education when indicating beginnings or sources.

In everyday language, cuna can also refer to a nursery or a space associated with infant care, emphasizing its role in early childhood. The term is widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions and appears in both formal and informal registers.

See also: crib, cradle, cradle of civilization.