infancy

noun in·fan·cy \ ˈin-fən(t)-sē \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Examples: infancy in a Sentence

Definition of infancy

plural infancies

1 : early childhood

2 : a beginning or early period of existence

3 : the legal status of an infant

See infancy defined for English-language learners

See infancy defined for kids

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 of infancy from the Web

McClain, who founded the program in 2015, has guided Heritage from infancy to national powerhouse in four short seasons.

— wells dusenbury, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Western's Michael Fox, Heritage-Delray's Caitlyn Wurzburger earn Mr. and Miss Lacrosse honors," 12 June 2018
On the other hand, Vieira departs as the coach who took a club in its infancy to being an MLS title contender.

— juan pimiento, chicagotribune.com, "Teams arrive in Russia, Vieira leaves NYCFC and the best of the soccer weekend," 10 June 2018
In its infancy, the startup, which launched in June 2017, has successfully logged 3,000,000 rides and has launched lime green fleets in 22 cities and on 11 college campuses.

— maya moore, Courant Community, "Learn How To Use LimeBike, Hartford's First Bike Share Program," 6 June 2018
Murdoch helped create Sky when satellite television was in its infancy.

— claire atkinson, NBC News, "U.K. gives the OK for Fox to buy Sky — as long as it sells Sky News," 5 June 2018
This type of immunotherapy is still in its infancy.

— jonathan lapook, CBS News, "Groundbreaking treatment saves life of woman with late-stage breast cancer," 4 June 2018
The center's co-director says many law enforcement drone units still are in their infancy and are in place in just a fraction of the agencies across the country.

— john seewer, Fox News, "Law enforcement agencies turning to drones to fight crime," 28 May 2018
To her patients, who range in age from infancy to 63, Ali is the comforting presence who draws blood, changes dressings, discusses new drugs, and helps with the complicated daily treatment routines of Cystic Fibrosis patients.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Alicia J. French, RN, BSN - San Antonio Military Medical Center," 4 May 2018
Life could be more interesting in virtual realities as the technology emerges from its infancy; the possibilities for creation might be extended and enhanced in wondrous ways.

— franklin foer, The Atlantic, "The End of Reality," 8 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infancy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of infancy

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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INFANCY Defined for English Language Learners

infancy

noun

Definition of infancy for English Language Learners

: the first part of a child's life : the time in your life when you are a baby
: a beginning : an early stage of development

INFANCY Defined for Kids

infancy

noun in·fan·cy \ ˈin-fən-sē \

Definition of infancy for Students

plural infancies

1 : the first stage of a child's life : early childhood

2 : a beginning or early period of existence

The program is in its infancy.

Medical Dictionary

infancy

noun in·fan·cy \ ˈin-fən-sē \

medical Definition of infancy

plural infancies

1 : early childhood

2 : the legal status of an infant

Law Dictionary

infancy

noun in·fan·cy \ ˈin-fən-sē \

legal Definition of infancy

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