renaissance

noun, often attributive

re·nais·sance | \ˌre-nə-ˈsän(t)s,

-ˈzän(t)s, -ˈsäⁿs, -ˈzäⁿs;ˈre-nə-ˌsän(t)s, -ˌzän(t)s, -ˌsäⁿs, -ˌzäⁿs, 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

belle epoque (or belle époque), golden age

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

The attention to bowling shoes comes at a time when bowling is experiencing a mini-renaissance. — Rick Barrett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "New Berlin graphic designer named finalist in bowling shoe makeover contest," 11 July 2018 The 22-year-old song is now experiencing a renaissance as a meme, as an anthem, and as a rallying cry that is half genuine, half tongue-in-cheek. — Jonathan Clegg, WSJ, "It’s Coming Home: The Meme Behind England’s World Cup Fervor," 7 July 2018 Newsletter-Based Book Clubs Much like book clubs, newsletters are also experiencing a renaissance. — Rachel King, Fortune, "Book Clubs Are Really Having a Moment Right Now," 2 July 2018 The good news is that Discovery is only the beginning of a Trek renaissance. — Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, "Harlan Ellison Turned Star Trek Into Something More. Could It Happen Again?," 29 June 2018 Like many small American cities, Buffalo, which had early booms from various industries, including railways, shipyards and steel manufacturing, is shedding its rusty roots and experiencing a bona fide renaissance. — Amy Thomas, New York Times, "36 Hours in Buffalo," 28 June 2018 Buy Photo Philly’s food scene — often highlighted for its cheesesteaks, roast pork and water ice — has experienced a restaurant renaissance over the past decade. — Josh Rosenblat, Philly.com, "Where to eat in Philadelphia," 15 June 2018 Necco Wafers are the last candy anybody expected to experience a late-in-life renaissance. — Southern Living, "171 Years Later, Why Necco Wafers are Becoming America's Most Sought-After Candy," 11 Apr. 2018 The country is also experiencing a renaissance of sorts, in food, art, and technology. — Sebastian Modak, Condé Nast Traveler, "7 Places Where the U.S. Dollar Is Really Strong Right Now," 2 Feb. 2018

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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Dictionary Entries near renaissance

Renaissance architecture

Renaissance furniture

Renaissance lace

Phrases Related to renaissance

Renaissance woman

the Renaissance

Statistics for renaissance

Last Updated

21 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for renaissance

The first known use of renaissance was in 1837

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More Definitions for renaissance

renaissance

noun

English Language Learners Definition of renaissance

the 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.