I. ˈanjəˌnü, ˈaⁿzhə-, ÷ˈäⁿzhə-, ÷ˈänjə-, ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: French ingénue, from feminine of ingénu ingenuous, from Latin ingenuus
1.
a. : an ingenuous unsophisticated girl or young woman : a girl just entering society : debutante
suitable dress for an ingenue
especially : a stage part representing a character that is youthful, innocent, appealing, sweet, sympathetic
musical comedy ingenue
— compare soubrette
b. : a naïve or inexperienced person
this is no time to have a political ingenue as secretary of state — H.L.Ickes
2. : a pale to grayish yellow green that is greener and less strong than water green
II. adjective
: of, related, or appropriate to an ingenue
artless ingenue air about her
ingenue party dress