ingénue

[ an-zhuh-noo, -nyoo; French an-zhey-ny ]

/ ˈæn ʒəˌnu, -ˌnyu; French ɛ̃ ʒeɪˈnü /

the part of an artless, innocent, unworldly girl or young woman, especially as represented on the stage.

an actress who plays such a part or specializes in playing such parts.

Origin of ingénue

1840–50; < French, feminine of ingénu < Latin ingenuus native, inborn, etc.; see ingenuous

She suggested an ingenue who had been suddenly sent on in the role of the Russian adventuress.

Vera |Richard Harding Davis
There, seeking asylum from the greater heat of the wings he came upon the ingenue, indulging in the luxury of exhausted tears.

The Tyranny of Weakness |Charles Neville Buck
The result is extravagantly and deliciously funny—Just the Book for an Ingenue.

Over the Seas for Uncle Sam |Elaine Sterne
She felt the ingenue's usually complacent eyes suddenly fixed upon her with an unhallowed precocity, and as quickly withdrawn.

A Sappho of Green Springs |Bret Harte

I was no longer "Diane," the ingenue whom she patronized as well as admired.

The Bacillus of Beauty |Harriet Stark

ingénue

/ (ˌænʒeɪˈnjuː, French ɛ̃ʒeny) /

an artless, innocent, or inexperienced girl or young woman

C19: from French, feminine of ingénu ingenuous