childish

adjective child·ish \ ˈchī(-ə)l-dish \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Examples: childish in a Sentence

Definition of childish

1 : of, relating to, or befitting a child or childhood

childish desires for toys

2 a : marked by or suggestive of immaturity and lack of poise

a childish spiteful remark

b : lacking complexity : simple

it's a childish device, but it works

c : deteriorated with age especially in mind : senile

his parents … were both getting childish and needed care
—Pearl Buck

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childishly

adverb

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childishness

noun

See childish defined for English-language learners

See childish defined for kids

Examples of childish in a Sentence

She has a childish face.
a letter written in childish scrawl
He opened the gifts with childish delight.
We're tired of their childish games.
I find his humor very childish.

Recent Examples of childish from the Web

In the end, Hal is compelled to put duty first and leave childish ways behind, and so banishes Falstaff.

— jordan riefe, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Henry IV': Theater Review," 9 June 2018
These childish actions show the lack of seriousness of the caller and those behind him.

— tim ross, Bloomberg.com, "U.K. Blames Kremlin for Hoax Call on Boris Johnson," 24 May 2018
But there was nothing childish about the eerily exacting playing from two pianists known for their phenomenal control and uncompromising musicianship.

— mark swed, latimes.com, "The ecstasy of Julius Eastman's ‘Femenine,’ and how angst and anger turn to beauty and grace," 23 May 2018
What sort of adult male speaks that slowly, in such a soft, childish tone?

— heather havrilesky, The Cut, "Why Did We Ever Leave Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood?," 31 May 2018
Winning the presidency should have been its own reward, but that’s not how the childish Gambinos now in charge of a global superpower conduct their family business.

— will bunch, Philly.com, "How the Trump family sold U.S. foreign policy to the highest bidder | Will Bunch," 20 May 2018
That's the ultraviolet black light that reveals a childish hate.

— Fox News, "Gutfeld: The White House had one of its best weeks ever," 29 Apr. 2018
Why not a 24/7 work week until the Senate Democrats give up their childish practice of insisting on 30 hours of debate for every nominee no matter how lopsided the confirmation vote?

— hugh hewitt, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Why not a Senate GOP crusade to confirm judges?," 10 Apr. 2018
Drax’s deadpan awe, Star-Lord’s childish jealousy, and Rocket smugly accepting the title of captain are all telling character beats.

— samantha nelson, The Verge, "How Avengers: Infinity War uses humor to solve its story problems," 9 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'childish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of childish

see child

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

childish Synonyms

CHILDISH Defined for English Language Learners

childish

adjective

Definition of childish for English Language Learners

: of a child or typical of a child; especially : having or showing the unpleasant qualities (such as silliness or lack of maturity) that children often have