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 exciting part for Lexus, if not consumers just yet, is that the world of all-electric performance cars is still in its infancy, lacking a dominant player. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 15 Dec. 2025

American scientific research on the harms of UPF additives is in its infancy, but the new law has taken that into account. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 14 Dec. 2025

In 1991, the CDC issued its landmark guidance recommending that all infants, regardless of their mother's infection status, receive a hepatitis B vaccine at birth, followed by two additional doses in infancy. —Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

Preterm babies who survive infancy are susceptible to health complications later in life, including cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. —Faye Taxman, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 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