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

But with the 2026 season still in its infancy, Wednesday wasn’t one of those times. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026

There were still many farms in the community, and the Texas Wine Industry was still in its infancy. —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026

The idea is still in its infancy. —Thomas White, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

While medical advances have greatly improved survival rates, new research suggests that the effects of early birth can extend well beyond infancy. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 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