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

Other Word Forms

• boyishly adverb
• boyishness noun
• unboyish adjective
• unboyishly adverb
• unboyishness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of boyish¹

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

Example Sentences

“That was just stunning to me,” said the folksy Collinsworth, still lanky and boyish at 66.

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Strong, who won an Olivier Award for his performance in Ivo van Hove’s revival of Arthur Miller’s “A View From the Bridge,” exposes the boyish vulnerability within the sophisticated politician in his sympathetically beguiling portrayal.

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Despite the consistent strengths of all the “Symposium” men, Takumi Miyake’s performance in a role that might classify as the most boyish demands singling out.

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She was also juggling men, among them the boyish Sam Chapman, whose proposal she’d tentatively accepted, to a wealthy 64-year-old who showered her with pricey presents, such as an automobile.

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We cast Harry Lawtey, who plays him with a boyish, broken quality, wide eyes looking for home.

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