childlike

adjective

child·​like ˈchī(-ə)l(d)-ˌlīk How to pronounce childlike (audio)
Synonyms of childlikenext
: resembling, suggesting, or appropriate to a child or childhood
especially : marked by innocence, trust, and ingenuousness
childlike delight
childlikeness noun

Examples of childlike in a Sentence

a grown woman with a childlike face We gazed at it in childlike wonder. She took a childlike glee in describing every detail.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And that childlike joy led Jim to some of his best ideas. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 Adèle still has a youthful figure, and Ilyas a childlike beauty. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 For them, the love of art is a mission, at once sophisticated and childlike. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 June 2026 The acting challenge is being fully committed every night to a childlike state of play. — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for childlike

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of childlike was in 1577

Rhymes for childlike

See All Rhymes for childlike

Browse Nearby Words

childless
childlike
childly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childlike. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

childlike

adjective
child·​like ˈchīl(d)-ˌlīk How to pronounce childlike (audio)
1
: resembling, suggesting, or suitable to a child or childhood
2
: showing the more pleasing qualities (as innocence or trustfulness) often thought to be those of children
childlike delight

More from Merriam-Webster on childlike

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for childlike

Nglish: Translation of childlike for Spanish Speakers

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