Girlish describes qualities, behaviors, or appearances traditionally associated with young girls. A girlish laugh might be high and bubbly, a girlish voice might sound young and light, and girlish handwriting might include rounded letters or little hearts over the i's.

The word often suggests youthfulness, innocence, or playfulness. Someone might describe a girlish sense of wonder or a girlish excitement about something simple and delightful. A girlish outfit might feature bright colors, ribbons, or ruffles.

Sometimes people use girlish to mean immature or childish, especially when describing adults. Saying someone has “girlish fears” might suggest their worries seem too small or silly for their age. This usage can feel dismissive or unkind.

The word pairs with boyish, which describes qualities associated with young boys. Both words capture something about youth and energy, though they carry different connotations. While boyish often suggests roughness or mischief, girlish tends to suggest sweetness or delicacy. These associations reflect old-fashioned ideas about how girls and boys should act, ideas that many people today recognize as limiting.