infancy

noun

in·​fan·​cy ˈin-fən(t)-sē 

plural infancies

1

: early childhood

2

: a beginning or early period of existence

3

: the legal status of an infant

Examples of infancy in a Sentence

She was often sick during her infancy.

a skill developed in infancy

She has been a member of the church since its infancy.

Recent Examples on the Web

The novel follows the witch from infancy, shaped by her mother Melena’s impulsiveness and her father Frex’s stern piety, and navigating the jealousies that arise with the arrivals of her siblings, Nessarose and Shell. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Thinkers rejected the medieval view that children were imperfect little adults moored in a transitional state between infancy and maturity that required constant Christian instruction. —Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025

Focus your budget on the pieces with longevity—for Erika’s room, the white oak dresser will transition with her daughter from infancy to adolescence. —Collier Sutter, Architectural Digest, 17 Nov. 2025

Even in his infancy, Hudson told PEOPLE months later, David has always found a comfort in music. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing infancy

• in one's infancy

Kids Definition

infancy

noun

in·​fan·​cy ˈin-fən-sē 

plural infancies

1

: early childhood

2

: a beginning or early period of existence

Medical Definition

infancy

noun

in·​fan·​cy ˈin-fən-sē 

plural infancies

1

: early childhood

2

: the legal status of an infant

Legal Definition

infancy

noun

in·​fan·​cy ˈin-fən-sē 

plural infancies

1

: the legal status of an infant : minority

2

: the affirmative defense of lacking legal capacity (as to make a contract or commit a crime) because of being too young and especially because one's age is below an age set by statute