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

About half need open-heart surgery during infancy. — Michelle Sie Whitten, STAT, 25 June 2026

Despite the category’s rapid growth, Jia believes the industry remains in its infancy. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 18 June 2026

Streaming numbers are in their relative infancy and TV ratings are now dissected with multiplatform caveats. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026

The nine documents are divided into three glass cases, each one marking different moments in America’s infancy. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 18 June 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