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

For the first time, scientists have created fertilizable human eggs from skin cells—an advance that the researchers say could pave the way for new infertility treatments, though the technology remains in its infancy. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Mats are suitable from infancy through toddlerhood, but some models offer features that are more appropriate for one age than another. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025

Though these efforts are still in their infancy and challenges remain, there is no shortage of people and startups dedicated to making solutions happen. —Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

The body of research exploring the link between autism and acetaminophen use during pregnancy is not conclusive, and there’s even less research looking at autism prevalence relative to acetaminophen use during infancy or early childhood. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025

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