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

Her younger sister, Hattie, also died in infancy the following year. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

That said, the videos are merely simulations when orbital data centers remain in their infancy. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

While quantum technologies are still in their infancy, concerns about their high energy use are already on the rise. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026

Some existing amenities, like the regulation tennis court, will be retained—and a trendy padel court is being considered—but the project is still in its infancy. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 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