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

He was known for his sense of whimsy, childlike wonder, and a love of the natural world—many of his preferred designs were based on flora and fauna and yielded fantastical images like mermaids, butterflies, and much more. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

Zoey The group’s youngest member, Zoey, is at the heart of it all and has a fun, childlike personality. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 24 Sep. 2026

In Kazakh culture, the word has an affectionate, childlike quality and is also associated with a popular traditional circle game for children. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

Voiced by Tom Kenny, SpongeBob’s unerring positivity and childlike glee immediately captured our hearts and minds, so much so that the show has continued for more than 25 years. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 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