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

Many predicted this sort of mission-creep when VAR was in its infancy, and those warnings have proven well-founded. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 2026

While the technology is still in its infancy, the ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between machinery and biology. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026

Ancient quasars offer glimpses into the universe in its chaotic infancy; but actually finding these primordial objects can be very difficult. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 July 2026

Beyond the entrance stood oversized portraits of Miss Swift and Mister Kelce from infancy through adolescence, each year leading inexorably toward this singular evening. — Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 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