childish

adjective

child·ish | \ ˈchī(-ə)l-dish

Definition of childish

1 : of, relating to, or befitting a child or childhood childish desires for toys

2a : 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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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 on the Web

Ms Cusset writes with a nearly childish clarity, too, and the result is both unsettling and effective. — The Economist, "A fictionalised biography of David Hockney," 4 June 2019 The thing is, the childish anger expressed by Mars in Cancer can’t phase you. — Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What May’s Capricorn Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 30 Apr. 2019 Some found ways to elevate the look, while others revel in the childish nature of it all. — Glamour, "The Absolute Best Hair Accessories for Every Hair Type," 18 Apr. 2019 Sansa is much too smart—and has survived far too much—to succumb to such a childish, gendered trope. — Julie Kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Game of Thrones Rivalry Between Sansa & Daenerys Is Gendered and Regressive," 16 Apr. 2019 But after this childish meltdown, Claire and Jamie explain that Brianna was raped. — Mehera Bonner, Harper's BAZAAR, "Outlander's Season 4 Finale Will Leave You an Emotional Mess," 28 Jan. 2019 It was seen at Victoria Beckham for Resort 2018 as a white sandal slingback with thimble-sized heels and Céline in the form of snappy yellow mules for Spring 2017—neither version stuffy or childish. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "Kitten Heels Are Back—Are They Too Much, Or Not Enough?," 22 Aug. 2018 For the people who didn't understand childish gambino's video & is only focusing on his dancing is just mind blowing. — Lisa Respers France, CNN, "'This Is America': The Childish Gambino video explained," 7 May 2018 There is plenty of criticism of Durant that has been childish and unfair. — Andrew Sharp, SI.com, "Kevin Durant Won't Leave the Warriors, But Maybe He Should," 8 June 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.

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Last Updated

17 Jun 2019

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The first known use of childish was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for childish

childish

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of childish

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

See the full definition for childish in the English Language Learners Dictionary

childish

adjective

child·ish | \ ˈchīl-dish