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 profile of this shoe is one that feels inherently familiar, but childlike playfulness is also secured vis-à-vis the fluffy sheepskin that seems to overflow from its color-happy laces. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025 How to Make the Halloween Decor Goofy grins and exaggerated eyes add childlike wonder to your Halloween decorating. Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025 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 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 28 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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