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.
Walter, the friendlier, less independent production-model variant of David, also played by Michael Fassbender, is the first of our mid-list trio of droids who keep the jittery, fragile humans around them at ease by being childlike. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 Kimberly Weinberger stars as Connie, a cautious, mildly depressive woman in a dead-end relationship with an older man, and Alex Chernow plays Tristan, a fiery, almost childlike loner with secrets. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025 Wow collection remixed modern silhouettes with a childlike energy. Hanna McNeila, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025 In addition to serving as an allegory for how many wield the power of AI with childlike irresponsibility, the hybrid Synthetic thread also represents the beating heart of the entire show. Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childlike. Accessed 5 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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