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.
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 Mitchell described Thomas’ artwork as childlike but cool, with themes varying from folk art to heavy metal to Viking imagery. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Driving the show is Masli’s sincerity, childlike wonder, and background in clown. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025 Robinson had braces in the yearbook photo, a childlike image that made the moment all the more poignant. Davis Winkie, USA Today, 12 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childlike. Accessed 22 Sep. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!