MEANING
Childishly foolish or immature, especially in a way that seems beneath an adult or serious occasion.
Use it for
Use for foolish behavior that feels inappropriate to the moment.Make a joke or decision seem embarrassingly immature.
Words that belong together
- puerile joke
- puerile behavior
- puerile argument
On the page
The puerile prank left a trail of flour through the memorial hall.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- puerile
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Usage notes
Usually disapproving; puerile is stronger than merely simple and may insult a person’s judgment.
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