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

But the Wiggin sisters came through the other side and found a much kinder world waiting for them in the ’90s, where audiences were more receptive to their innocence. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026

The meeting took place as Carvalho issued his first statement since the raid, asserting his innocence and expressing hopes to return to work as soon as possible. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

More allegations followed, but Spacey maintained his innocence with respect to Rapp's claims, and in 2021, a jury exonerated him of the specific allegation of molesting Rapp in 1986. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026

Shaleta maintained his innocence during his Monday court appearance, which was packed with his supporters. —Doha Madani, NBC news, 11 Mar. 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