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

The sun might have experienced a similar developmental stage in its infancy, the researchers say. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 25 Feb. 2026

But children who catch the virus in infancy seem especially vulnerable. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026

Friday’s 8-1 win over Michigan State represents an early blueprint to how the Longhorns can return to college baseball’s Promised Land for the first time in five years, even if the season is still in its infancy. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026

Recording was done on wax when pop music was in its infancy stage. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 13 Feb. 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