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

Full-Stack Optimization For Practical Quantum Solutions Quantum computing may be in its infancy, but the path forward lies in full-stack optimization. —Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Although the program is still in its infancy, the Bureau has already seen positive returns. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

The fledgling nation was riddled with debt, the Constitution was weak and the judicial system was in its infancy. —Major Garrett, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2024

The program, still in its infancy, was started in response to concerns being raised by residents and brick-and-mortar businesses along 23rd Street about vendors taking up sidewalks and not having the proper permitting. —Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 31 Oct. 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