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

Thomas Jefferson’s only legitimate one died in infancy. —Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025

The problem was, with technology still being in its infancy, the Forever creator and her husband, Salim Akil, had to lead her — police escort style — in the right direction. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025

Although in its infancy, the experimental technique, described in a new study, could open possibilities for older women who have run out of eggs and also same-sex couples who want children genetically related to both partners. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025

For the first time, scientists have created fertilizable human eggs from skin cells—an advance that the researchers say could pave the way for new infertility treatments, though the technology remains in its infancy. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 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