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

Working at the Kunstgewerbeschule under educational reformer Franz Cžek, Wiener Werkstätte women also designed toys designed to tap into childlike spontaneity. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

The name refers to a male coming-of-age ritual, but the analog methods the duo used, in part, suggest a return to something past and playful, perhaps childlike—though the music shows maturation overall. — Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

That doesn’t make the games any less competitive — or physical — but a childlike glee underscores every aspect of those hoop sessions. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Fisher says that sharing his childlike sense of wonder — about both magic and the theater — with audiences is the most wonderful part of the production. — William Earl, Variety, 12 Aug. 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