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

The detailed yet childlike animation helps bring to life a world only one woman can see and instills levity into this deeply moving story. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026

Dusted with umami-imparting kombu salt and served with an allium-forward green garlic labneh ranch dip, their childlike origin story is surprising. —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

Oswald’s timid Ludie is gentle, sad and almost childlike in his lack of assertiveness toward his wife. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

But Cialente also captures the discordant keys of a multigenerational household, from childlike angst to youthful rebellion to marital frustration. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 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