hea·then·ish \ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷_nish\adjective 1.: of or relating to the heathen : resembling or thought to be characteristic of heathens < worse than heathenish crimes — John Milton > 2.obsolete: of heathen race or belief : heathen 3.: tending to be or somewhat heathen < this heathenish rhythm > • hea·then·ish·lyadverb • hea·then·ish·nessnoun-es