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

Furthermore, with the Downtown Specific Area Plan being in its infancy, having a representative that will communicate frequently is important to ensuring everyone has a say on the improvements along Monroe Avenue. —Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024

The major topic of the day was electricity deregulation, a complicated, emerging concept that was still in its infancy. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2024

The fluid accumulates due to a medical condition of infancy called benign external hydrocephalus. —Dhanika Pineda, ABC News, 25 June 2024

The James Webb Space Telescope is capturing the most detailed images yet of the infancy of the universe. —NPR, 25 June 2024

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