infant

¹in·fant

noun \ˈin-fənt\

Definition of INFANT

1

: a child in the first period of life

2

: a person who is not of full age : minor

Examples of INFANT

1. a study of health problems that can affect young infants
2. He showed us a picture of his infant daughter.

Origin of INFANT

Middle English enfaunt, from Anglo-French enfant, from Latin infant-, infans, from infant-, infans, adjective, incapable of speech, young, from in- + fant-, fans, present participle of fari to speak — more at ban

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INFANT

Synonyms

babe, bambino, child, baby, neonate, newborn

Related Words

cherub; foundling, nursling, suckling; preemie (also premie); papoose; bantling, kid, kiddie (also kiddy), kiddo, moppet, toddler, tot, tyke (also tike); boy, nipper, tad; juvenile, minor, youngling, youngster, youth; brat, imp, squirt, urchin, whippersnapper; girl, hoyden, tomboy

Near Antonyms

adult, grown-up; elder, graybeard, oldster, old-timer, senior, senior citizen

²infant

adjective

Definition of INFANT

1

: intended for young children

2

: being in an early stage of development

3

: of, relating to, or being in infancy

Examples of INFANT

1. She is an infant teacher.

First Known Use of INFANT

circa 1586

in·fant

noun \ˈin-fənt\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of INFANT

1

a : a child in the first year of life : baby b : a child several years of age

2

: a person who is not of full age : minor

—infant adjective