innocence

noun

in·​no·​cence ˈi-nə-sən(t)s 

1

a

: freedom from legal guilt of a particular crime or offense

b

: freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil : blamelessness

c

: lack of knowledge : ignorance

… written in entire innocence of the Italian language.

—E. R. Bentley

d(1)

: freedom from guile or cunning : simplicity

(2)

: lack of worldly experience or sophistication

e

: chastity

2

: one that is innocent

3

: bluet

Synonyms

• innocency
• purity

Examples of innocence in a Sentence

He vows that he will prove his innocence in court.

the trusting innocence of childhood

The age of innocence was over.

Recent Examples on the Web

In response to the findings, Wallace issued a statement expressing regret while maintaining his innocence on the most serious allegations. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025

After maintaining his innocence for more than two years, on July 2, Kohberger admitted to the quadruple killings in court and pleaded guilty to all counts. —ABC News, 14 July 2025

Extending the suspension beyond the initial fortnight would need to be mutually agreed with the player — rather unlikely if said player maintains his innocence. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Pitt maintained his innocence throughout that initial court hearing, and on July 9 his attorney Robert Gottlieb filed a motion for bail modification with the court that included text messages sent by the ex-girlfriend, as well as her medical records. —Chris Spargo, People.com, 11 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing innocence

• in all innocence

Kids Definition

innocence

noun

in·​no·​cence ˈin-ə-sən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being innocent

Legal Definition

innocence

noun

in·​no·​cence ˈi-nə-səns 

: freedom from fault or guilt under the law: as

a

: the state of not being guilty of a particular crime or offense compare guilt

b

: the state of not being guilty of an act that constitutes a ground for divorce

c

: ignorance on the part of a party to a transaction of facts that would lead a person of ordinary prudence to make inquiries