renaissance

noun, often attributive

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re·nais·sance | \ ˈre-nə-ˌsän(t)s

, -ˌzän(t)s

, -ˌsäⁿs, -ˌzäⁿs; ˌre-nə-ˈsän(t)s

, -ˈzän(t)s, -ˈsäⁿs, -ˈzäⁿs, chiefly British ri-ˈnā-sᵊn(t)s \

Definition of renaissance

1 capitalized

a : the transitional movement in Europe between medieval and modern times beginning in the 14th century in Italy, lasting into the 17th century, and marked by a humanistic revival of classical influence expressed in a flowering of the arts and literature and by the beginnings of modern science

b : the period of the Renaissance

c : the neoclassical style of architecture prevailing during the Renaissance

2 often capitalized : a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity

3 : rebirth, revival

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About renaissance

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Synonyms & Antonyms for renaissance

Synonyms

Antonyms

dark age

Examples of renaissance in a Sentence

a book on the Renaissance the 19th-century literary renaissance that prompted people to refer to Boston as the Athens of America

Recent Examples on the Web After inspiring an organizational renaissance with her 2017 hit Tidying Up, Marie Kondo is back on Netflix with a new series. — Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE.com, 16 Aug. 2021 Website One of the oldest 'renaissance' pubs in Bangkok and recently relocated to the funky night spot of Soi 11. — Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2021 Elegant architecture was flourishing, and Princess Marie Clotilde of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who resided in Hungary with her husband Archduke Joseph Karl of Austria, wanted to partake in the Belle Époque’s renaissance. — Alia Akkam, Robb Report, 20 July 2021 The renaissance is partly scientific, and partly a new kind of space race, with different players and goals from the Cold War version. — Jason Thomson, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2021 Fantastic Four made its debut 60 years ago and is celebrated as the comic book that set the great Marvel renaissance under Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in motion. — Brian Lowry, CNN, 9 July 2021 LeBlanc started at Georgetown, went back home to Baton Rouge for a year and now is headed to Birmingham for the basketball renaissance taking place at Bartow Arena. — Joseph Goodman | Jgoodman@al.com, al, 30 June 2021 As for Madewell, which thrived on her watch, Wadle sees the brand as likely to benefit enormously from the current denim renaissance. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 24 June 2021 The pursuit of a non-psychedelic drug inspired by psychedelic drugs seems to run counter to the research renaissance currently underway. — Will Yakowicz, Forbes, 23 June 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'renaissance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

20 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Renaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renaissance. Accessed 24 Aug. 2021.

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More Definitions for renaissance

renaissance

noun

English Language Learners Definition of renaissance

: the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries when there was a new interest in science and in ancient art and literature especially in Italy

: a situation or period of time when there is a new interest in something that has not been popular in a long time

: a period of new growth or activity

See the full definition for renaissance in the English Language Learners Dictionary

renaissance

noun

re·nais·sance | \ ˌre-nə-ˈsäns

Kids Definition of renaissance

1 capitalized : the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries marked by a fresh interest in ancient art and literature and by the beginnings of modern science

2 : the act of changing in a positive way : a period during which things are improving The city's downtown is experiencing a renaissance.