innocence

noun

in·​no·​cence ˈi-nə-sən(t)s How to pronounce innocence (audio)
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
2
: one that is innocent
3
: bluet

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 Majors, 34, maintained his innocence during the criminal case. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2024 Before leaving to go back to the station, Benza and several sergeants walked into the 7-Eleven, according to a 32-page innocence petition Beck filed in court on Brock’s behalf. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Hartsfield maintained his innocence during the sentencing hearing. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 For them, the only honest portrayal of the allegations is one asserting Jackson’s innocence. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 13 Mar. 2024 How innocence is shattered for many in Haiti's gangland 06:14 - Source: CNN Helicopter evacuation The German and European Union missions in Port-au-Prince have also evacuated diplomatic staff, including their ambassadors, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation. Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Attorneys for the three men contended the trio’s innocence at the time. Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 The presumption of innocence is harder, but worth the effort. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 Scott Peterson pleaded not guilty at trial and has maintained his innocence since he was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his wife and second-degree murder for his near-term son. Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'innocence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of innocence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near innocence

Cite this Entry

“Innocence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innocence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

innocence

noun
in·​no·​cence ˈin-ə-sən(t)s How to pronounce innocence (audio)
: the quality or state of being innocent

Legal Definition

innocence

noun
in·​no·​cence ˈi-nə-səns How to pronounce innocence (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on innocence

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