Meanings
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1
adj
characteristic of or resembling a girl, especially in appearance or manner
She gave a girlish laugh when she recognized her childhood friend.
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2
adj
relating to the period of girlhood
The memoir recalls her girlish ambitions to become an explorer.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed in English from girl + -ish, the suffix meaning 'having the qualities of' or 'belonging to.' It can neutrally refer to girlhood, but descriptions of adult behaviour as girlish may sound dated or may rely on stereotypes about age and gender.