infant

[in-fuhnt]

noun

1. a child during the earliest period of their life, especially before they can walk; baby.

2. Law.,  a person who is not of full age, especially one who has not reached the age of 18 years; a minor.

3. a beginner, as in experience or learning; novice.

   The new candidate is a political infant.

4. anything in the first stage of existence or progress.

adjective

1. of or relating to infants or infancy.

   infant years.

2. being in infancy.

   an infant king.

3. being in the earliest stage.

   an infant industry.

4. of or relating to the legal state of infancy; minor.

infant

/ ˈɪnfənt /

noun

1. a child at the earliest stage of its life; baby

2. law another word for minor

3. a young schoolchild, usually under the age of seven

4. a person who is beginning or inexperienced in an activity

5. (modifier)

   1. of or relating to young children or infancy

   2. designed or intended for young children

adjective

1. in an early stage of development; nascent

   an infant science or industry

2. law of or relating to the legal status of infancy

Other Word Forms

• infanthood noun
• infantlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of infant¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin infant- (stem of infāns ) “small child,” literally, “one unable to speak,” equivalent to in- in- ³ + -fāns, present participle of fārī “to speak”; replacing Middle English enfaunt, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of infant¹

C14: from Latin infāns, literally: speechless, from _in- ¹ + fārī to speak

Example Sentences

“Respiratory illnesses can be especially risky for infants and toddlers, whose airways and lungs are small and still developing.”

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities say the couple faked the 7-month-old’s disappearance and the infant is presumed dead.

From Los Angeles Times

The infant was discharged from hospital a month back and there have been no complications so far, he added.

From BBC

He still had student loans when he was sworn into Congress and went viral a few years ago for baby-wearing his infant son on the House floor during a House speaker fight.

From Los Angeles Times

Pregnant women, as well as infants and young children, are advised to get vaccinated against it.

From BBC

Related Words

• child 
• kid 
• newborn 
• toddler