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

The industry is still in its infancy. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025

This is an industry still very much in its infancy. —Tiz Gambacorta, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Theirs was a life together cut off in its infancy, but still the flame burns bright. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025

Sack didn’t follow Kelce’s career too closely in its infancy, receiving most of his updates from his youngest son, Ben, who met Travis at a youth basketball camp that Sack oversaw annually. —Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025

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