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

After losing all four of her children in infancy, Lee had a mental breakdown and was admitted to an asylum. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026

Spread over a sprawling 42 hectares, despite its infancy, the island is lush and verdant, and fringed by a sugary golden beach and lapped by the gentle waters of a crystalline lagoon. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Though the restaurant is still in its infancy, Myrick said the excitement for Gram & Dun’s second location has been palpable. —Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026

The district is in its infancy, and at full capacity, the tech park could house hundreds of companies, working in the life-sciences, microelectronics, agriculture technology and electrification, according to the IEDC's website. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 20 Jan. 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