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 \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Examples: renaissance in a Sentence

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

See renaissance defined for English-language learners

See renaissance defined for kids

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 of renaissance from the Web

The great geezer renaissance in men’s tennis continues apace.

— jason gay, WSJ, "Rafael Nadal in Paris: This One Goes to Eleven," 10 June 2018
Taste on the Lake is the latest high-profile event to highlight the renaissance that has taken place on the lakefront since Metroparks took it over in 2013.

— laura demarco, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Metroparks announces Taste on the Lake festival, new concert series at Edgewater Park," 14 May 2018
In fact, this renaissance was anything but predictable.

— The Economist, "Make Bank of America great again," 3 May 2018
West Hartford’s economic renaissance was a key part of Harris’ pitch, said state Sen. Beth Bye, an early hometown supporter.

— neil vigdor, courant.com, "Jonathan Harris Endorses Ned Lamont For Governor," 27 Apr. 2018
To this point, the people calling the personnel shots – scouting people to player development people to the Big Chairs at GABP – are not the men suited to lead the renaissance.

— paul daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "DOC: Does anyone want to go see the Reds? Will they in the future?," 21 Apr. 2018
The change also comes at a time when industry observers have warned that Philadelphia’s development renaissance could be more fragile than many think.

— Philly.com, "Philly's new affordable housing proposal: Tax every new development," 11 Apr. 2018
Another sign pointing to the city’s renaissance is the influx of new, heavy-hitting design hotels.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "The Reinvention of Jerusalem," 29 Mar. 2018
But since the cocktail renaissance took hold in the early 2000s, classics beget interpretation begets invention.

— liza weisstuch, BostonGlobe.com, "Sips: A new classic at Ruka," 29 Mar. 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.

Origin and Etymology of renaissance

French, from Middle French, rebirth, from Old French renaistre to be born again, from Latin renasci, from re- + nasci to be born — more at nation

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1837

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

renaissance Synonyms

Other History Terms

agonistic, carpetbagger, enceinte, fief, historiography, paladin

RENAISSANCE Defined for English Language Learners

renaissance

noun

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

RENAISSANCE Defined for Kids

renaissance

noun re·nais·sance \ ˌre-nə-ˈsäns \

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