infancy

[in-fuhn-see]

noun

plural

infancies 

1. the state or period of being an infant; very early childhood, usually the period before being able to walk; babyhood.

2. the corresponding period in the existence of anything; very early stage.

   Space science is in its infancy.

3. infants collectively.

4. Law.,  the period of life to the age of majority, 21 years at common law but now usually 18; minority; nonage.

infancy

/ ˈɪnfənsɪ /

noun

1. the state or period of being an infant; childhood

2. an early stage of growth or development

3. infants collectively

4. the period of life prior to attaining legal majority (reached at 21 under common law, at 18 by statute); minority nonage

Word History and Origins

Origin of infancy¹

From the Latin word infantia, dating back to 1485–95. See infant, -cy

Example Sentences

Back in the 1980s when the internet was still in its infancy, countries were being handed their own unique website addresses to navigate this nascent new online world.

From BBC

One video showed his life from infancy to the present, set to the song Forever Young by Alphaville.

From Salon

Social media presence was in its infancy when she was playing.

From BBC

"The research is still very much in its infancy," she says.

From BBC

The 230-year span of weather data in Armagh begins at the point when the science of meteorology was in its infancy.

From BBC

Related Words

• inception