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

Called Vehicle to Grid, this technology is still very much in its infancy, but it has been shown to work in limited trials. —James Morris, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024

What's next: The Blue Manufacturing endeavor is still in its infancy, with planning just now underway. —Colin Demarest, Axios, 14 Aug. 2024

Back in those Cold War days, China’s Olympic program was still in its infancy. —Alexander Smith, NBC News, 11 Aug. 2024

Related article American Airlines to allow nut allergy sufferers early boarding Earlier this year a study by experts in London revealed that feeding children smooth peanut butter during infancy and early childhood can help reduce their risk of developing a peanut allergy even years later. —Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 31 July 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