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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Combs has been incarcerated in the Special Housing Unit at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since his arraignment and has maintained his innocence amid mounting civil lawsuits over the past year. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 Since being indicted in the case, Glen Davis has steadily maintained his innocence, claiming that the accusations were false. Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 23 Oct. 2024 The day after the suit was filed, Tinsley released a statement maintaining his innocence. Rachel Desantis, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024 Barry Morphew has maintained his innocence throughout the legal process and is not currently facing charges in connection with his wife’s death. Max Levy, The Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for innocence 

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 11 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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