childlike

adjective

child·​like ˈchī(-ə)l(d)-ˌlīk How to pronounce childlike (audio)
: 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.
The narrator’s faith in this flimsy visual evidence is childlike. Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025 The popular Bandai Namco childlike-horror franchise Little Nightmares is back and with more disturbances in tow. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 Sprinkled with laughter and childlike energy, this debate explores the pros and cons of both worlds. Jordan Owens, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025 Walter, the friendlier, less independent production-model variant of David, also played by Michael Fassbender, is the first of our mid-list trio of droids who keep the jittery, fragile humans around them at ease by being childlike. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childlike. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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