childish
adjective
child·ish
ˈchī(-ə)l-dish
1
2
a
: marked by or suggestive of immaturity and lack of poise
a childish prank
behavior that was petty and childish
b
: lacking complexity : simple
It's a childish device, but it works.
c
: exhibiting a decline of cognitive abilities (such as memory) associated with old age
He did not like to lose his temper with his parents. … They were both getting childish and needed care and yet they resented any loss of authority.—Pearl Buck
childishly
adverb
behaving childishly
The concept is almost childishly simple.
—Business Week
childishness
noun
… the childishness of the script overshadows a marvelous performance by Dolly Parton …
—People Weekly
Cite this Entry
“Childish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childish. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
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