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

Then, during our planet’s infancy, volcanic upheaval and deep-earth alchemy created more than a thousand new minerals. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

In world scope of cinema, the fanfic-to-mainstream film is still in its infancy. — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026

Although modern recreational hot-air ballooning was still in its infancy in the United States, its popularity was soaring, with technological breakthroughs in the 1960s having made the sport safer and more predictable. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

However, in infancy the brain is growing, and faster growth may not always be advantageous. — Catherine Demers, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026

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