childlike

adjective

child·​like ˈchī(-ə)l(d)-ˌlīk How to pronounce childlike (audio)
Synonyms of childlikenext
: 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.
What’s made this franchise so beloved has been its willingness to go on that journey with its young characters, maturing and deepening and changing without losing that initial childlike sense of hope and joy. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 The novel is written from Bela’s limited, childlike point of view. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 Zuckerberg’s loops, meanwhile, reflect a sense of childlike confidence, according to Bache, and a need to push forward, according to Lowe. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 The stoneware dishes, with their childlike design, candy-colored glazes, and divided compartments, might jog formative memories of Montessori sorting trays or vintage TV dinners. — Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for childlike

See All Rhymes for childlike

Browse Nearby Words

childless
childlike
childly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Childlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childlike. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

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