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

Raker’s sister Hattie was buried next to her the following year, the child died in infancy. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

The goal is to advance an industry that's still in its infancy but has enormous potential for cleanly generating large amounts of electricity. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease after infancy among children in the United States. — Jason Collins, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

From infancy onward interactions between intestinal microbes and immune cells help the body distinguish harmless microorganisms from disease-causing pathogens and regulate inflammatory responses. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 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