infancy — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The earliest period of childhood (crawling rather than walking).

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

2. The state of being an infant.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

3. An early stage in the development of anything.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Figurative
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   Space tourism is still in its infancy.

   More examples (1)

   It was in November, 1932, in an endeavour to reduce working costs, that the first diesel railcar was introduced, and it was a far-sighted move on the part of Mr. D. N. McClure, for diesel propulsion on railways was then more or less in its infancy.

4. The state of being a minor.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. the early stage of growth or development

   Synonyms

   babyhoodearly childhood

   Broader terms

   time of life

2. the earliest state of immaturity

   Synonyms

   babyhood

   Broader terms

   immaturityimmatureness