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

Shelley re-used the name Clara for her second daughter, who died in infancy. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026

With human civilization still struggling to find our way through our technological infancy, does this new study actually predict humanity’s demise? —Big Think, 4 Mar. 2026

When that happens, caregiving can become part of a culture that allows people to live in dignity from infancy to their final days. —Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026

After infancy, Falesnik said, the friction becomes more visible. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 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