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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Currently, Paxton, who has maintained his innocence while not publicly commenting on the allegations against him, is scheduled to be deposed in Austin on Feb. 1. Hogan Gore, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and maintained his innocence, continuing to falsely claim there was fraud. Alison Durkee, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 In June 2001, Barrow was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but the musician has never stopped maintaining his innocence. Nicole Briese, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Trump has denied the charges and maintained his innocence. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 6 Nov. 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 1 Dec. 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

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