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

That raw innocence would prove crucial to Zai’s character, who experiences a gamut of violations masked as privilege. — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

The Adelson family had long denied any involvement in Markel’s killing, and in August 2016, their lawyer released a statement maintaining their innocence. — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

Lizzie was ultimately acquitted, but questions remain about her innocence. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026

Nathan Hochman said new evidence that first came to light in 2016 pointed toward Renteria’s innocence. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 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