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

While in its infancy, radio advertising was seen as an influential funding source for publicity and persuasion. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026

While still in its infancy, quantum technology harnesses subatomic particles to make potentially enormous advances in a wide range of computing applications. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

Since her salary was paid by the neurology department, Elizabeth needed to learn everything there was to know about neurochemistry, which was in its infancy. —Marcy Thompson, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026

When Nike was in its infancy, the United States was engaged in the space race and landed on the moon, Goss said. —Hannarose McGuinness, USA Today, 15 Apr. 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