infancy

noun

in·​fan·​cy ˈin-fən(t)-sē How to pronounce infancy (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The jaunt that covers three time zones and sees the Oilers compete against a team from every division is still in its infancy. Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 Among the concerns: The technology to match hydrogen production with hourly fluctuations in wind and solar power is still in its infancy. Brad Plumer, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025 The program is still in its infancy, so the first semester has been filled with continuous review. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 But the collection of interviews and supporting material on offer here are top-notch, putting each game into the context of the time and of Minter's personal journey through an industry that was still in its infancy. Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infancy 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of infancy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near infancy

Cite this Entry

“Infancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infancy. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

infancy

noun
in·​fan·​cy ˈin-fən-sē How to pronounce infancy (audio)
plural infancies
1
: early childhood
2
: a beginning or early period of existence

Medical Definition

infancy

noun
in·​fan·​cy ˈin-fən-sē How to pronounce infancy (audio)
plural infancies
1
: early childhood
2
: the legal status of an infant

Legal Definition

infancy

noun
in·​fan·​cy ˈin-fən-sē How to pronounce infancy (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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