boyish

[ boi-ish ]

adjective

1. of or befitting a boy; engagingly youthful or innocent:

   a boyish grin.

boyish

/ ˈbɔɪɪʃ /

adjective

1. of or like a boy in looks, behaviour, or character, esp when regarded as attractive or endearing

   a boyish smile

Derived Forms

• ˈboyishly, adverb
• ˈboyishness, noun

Other Words From

• boyish·ly adverb
• boyish·ness noun
• un·boyish adjective
• un·boyish·ly adverb
• un·boyish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of boyish¹

First recorded in 1540–50; boy + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

It was a radical act to walk into an all-male barbershop and ask for a boyish cut, just as it was nearly 70 years later when O’Connor did it.

From Time

My dad gave me his hearty laugh and his boyish eyes, but he could also be stoic, gruff, and comically reserved with his emotions.

From Outside Online

To add insult to injury, NBC eventually replaced Leno in 2014 with a far less talented boyish goofball, Jimmy Fallon, who could never match the zany, brainy O’Brien on either silliness or smarts.

From Washington Post

That was his boyish curiosity, his unbounded fascination with anything new.

From Washington Post

I loved the boyish way he looked at me as the dad who could do no wrong.

From Washington Post

I have a half shaved head, I wear boyish clothes and mostly act like a boy.

From The Daily Beast

Newman imparts a simplicity and a boyish eagerness to his characters.

From The Daily Beast

He was a biggish lad, with a boyish, slightly mischievous grin, and thoughtfulness and consideration were seamed in his character.

From The Daily Beast

No one knows if Kerr actually succumbed to Bieber's "boyish" "charms," but she and Bloom did end up separating in 2013.

From The Daily Beast

There were boyish suits from yesteryear with puffy white sleeves and fur collars worn by androgynous creatures with white faces.

From The Daily Beast

His boyish suspenders had been put away in favor of a belt, which was tight-drawn about his slim waist.

From Project Gutenberg

During my two years here I yearned for God in my boyish way as perhaps I have never yearned for anything since.

From Project Gutenberg

Usually in high spirits, he often displayed a boyish playfulness that resembled the gambols of a big good-natured dog.

From Project Gutenberg

She could not even join in this boyish old fellow's hurraying; yet looking on her happy face, he was quite satisfied.

From Project Gutenberg

I would live my life not to excite her suspicions or jealousy, said the artist, with boyish enthusiasm and simplicity.

From Project Gutenberg