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

The format foreshadows reality TV—a genre then its infancy. —Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Exposure to sugar in infancy and toddlerhood may lead children to develop a taste for—or addiction to—sugar that persists into later life, the scientists wrote. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Still in its relative infancy, YouTube Shorts lags behind both in reach, but is growing rapidly, with average views increasing 153 percent versus six months ago. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024

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

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