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

Type 1—the kind that Nelson’s babies were diagnosed with—typically appears in infancy. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 7 Jan. 2026

The initiative attracted controversy in its infancy, when, as a pilot program, it was limited to children who attend the Boston Public Schools. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026

The historical Ann Lee really did have four children who all died during infancy — a series of events that Mona Fastvold’s film handles in a musical montage. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026

Since its infancy, Miller set out to provide an alternative to payday and title loans to the tens of millions who can’t qualify for conventional credit cards or bank loans. —Mari Sato, Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 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