adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
/ˈt͡ʃaɪldɪʃ/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -aɪldɪʃ
CMU ARPABET:CH AY1 L D IH0 SH
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Immature in thought or behaviour.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Your childish temper tantrums are not going to change my decision on this matter.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adj
Meaning 2
Suitable for or expected of a child.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
This game is very childish.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adjective satellite
Meaning 3
indicating a lack of maturity
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
childish tantrums
infantile behavior
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: infantile
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
From Middle English childisch, from Old English ċildisċ. By surface analysis, child + -ish.
Across languages
Translations
125 source translations are retained for this English entry.