childlike

adjective

child·​like ˈchī(-ə)l(d)-ˌlīk 

: 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

Godoy radiates effortless charisma, a kind of uncynical openness that feels both childlike and magnetic. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Of course, animals are always a safe choice—think portraits of animals dressed as humans, forest scenes with storybook details, or simply a charming scene that evokes nostalgia and childlike wonder. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026

MacTaggart is part of a throng of young people who are turning to analog hobbies and activities as a means of escaping technology and reconnecting with childlike creativity and exploration. —Kaitlyn Huamani, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

Gatwa approaches the role with a childlike wonder that’s both charming and quite fun to watch, lending the series an even more overtly playful, popcorn tone. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for childlike

• alike
• belike
• birdlike
• catlike
• christlike
• deathlike
• dislike
• dreamlike
• friedreich
• godlike
• hairlike
• homelike

Kids Definition

childlike

adjective

child·​like ˈchīl(d)-ˌlīk 

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