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

But research into how psychedelics can cause harm psychologically or emotionally is in its infancy. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 May 2025

The Early Days: AI As A Tool For Automation In its infancy, consumer AI focused on task automation and basic information retrieval. —Akash Nigam, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Related article Using cannabis in pregnancy linked to aggression and anxiety in children, a study suggests Modern research into the potential harms of cannabis is still in its infancy. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 5 May 2025

Boeing stopped building C-17s in 2015, and the air force’s plans for its next-generation cargo transports remain in infancy. —Andrew S. Lim, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 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