infancy

[ in-fuhn-see ]

noun

, plural in·fan·cies.

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

The science is still in its infancy, but gene-edited foods are already on the shelves in Japan: tomatoes rich in a chemical that supposedly promotes calmness; red sea bream with extra edible flesh; and puffer fish that grow more quickly.

From BBC

The South African Cultural Observatory's review of the industry in September 2022 found that the sector was in its infancy, with about 50 studios.

From BBC

Then, price comparison websites were in their infancy, and each specialised in one particular product.

From BBC

We are still in the relative infancy of women of color possessing the same rights as their white husbands.

From Slate

Tommy Hills, a teacher and freelance computer science lecturer, says AI is still in its infancy.

From BBC

Related Words

• inception