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

Despite decades of public health efforts to promote safer sleep, these deaths remain a major cause of mortality during infancy. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Finding this specific signature inside organic matter proves that these molecules acquired their oxygen during the Solar System’s absolute infancy. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

Men were first admitted in 1947, so in 1962 the football program was still in its infancy. — Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026

Two other daughters, one born in 1797 and another in 1799, died in infancy. — Andrew Lawler, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 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