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

• blamelessness
• faultlessness
• guiltlessness
• impeccability
• innocency
• irreproachability
• irreproachableness

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

The beginning of the finale reveals that the explosion originated in the laundry room, where Graham was trying to declare his innocence to Donnie and Crystal (Destiny Hernandez). —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 May 2025

After years of claiming innocence, Rose admitted to gambling in 2004. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025

Earlier this week, as his legal team argued for his innocence, Peterson claimed to have been stabbed 14 times while behind bars. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 15 May 2025

When the three pray together, secure in their faith that the only happiness lies in the afterlife, his innocence is heartbreaking. —Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 15 May 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