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 of innocence

• 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

His defense attorney Paula Bassham says her client maintains his innocence despite the conviction. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026

Most of Simpson’s children have remained extremely private in the years since their father’s acquittal and imprisonment, though his eldest daughter, Arnelle, has publicly defended him and expressed her belief in his innocence. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2026

Boyd, who maintained his innocence to the end, thrashed and convulsed for 40 minutes after prison officials attached a gas mask to his face, according to Hood and journalist Lee Hedgepeth, who witnessed Boyd’s execution. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

For Cattani, childhood offered a way into that subject precisely because of the innocence with which Filo encounters the world. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026

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