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

In its infancy, ChatGPT quickly became the fastest-growing consumer app within two months of launch, garnering 100 million users by January 2023. —Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

And nearly 11 of every 1,000 Black babies die in infancy. —Deidre Johnson, Denver Post, 25 May 2026

Still in its infancy, the Phillips Park Foundation is currently being led by a board of directors chaired by Bill Donnell, who represented Aurora’s 4th Ward on City Council for 12 years. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026

Signer Benjamin Rush married Julia Stockton and the couple had 13 children, nine of whom would survive infancy. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 8 May 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