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

Signer Benjamin Rush married Julia Stockton and the couple had 13 children, nine of whom would survive infancy. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

TikTok wasn't around, and the platform then known as Twitter was in its infancy. —Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 7 May 2026

However, the studio declined to comment as the project is still in its infancy. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 May 2026

Don’t stress too much about missing out on a relatively short stage like infancy. —Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 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