renaissance

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noun, often attributive re·nais·sance \ ˌre-nə-ˈsän(t)s , -ˈzän(t)s , -ˈsäⁿs , -ˈzäⁿs , ˈre-nə-ˌ , 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

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

Easy to cite Birmingham's culinary renaissance, its blossoming artist communities like Avondale and Woodlawn, its music scene, its thriving (and delicious) craft beer awakening.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Opinion: Birmingham's generosity is what makes it a great city," 18 Aug. 2017
Great artistic movements depend on the world to provide worthy muses: Revolution, renaissance, economic upheaval...selfie culture?

— julia black, Esquire, "Ingrid Goes West Proves That You Can Make a Compelling Movie About Instagram," 11 Aug. 2017
Giampiero Bodino A renaissance man with a keen attachment to his country and the Mediterranean, Bodino looked to the deep with a Tesori del Mare theme, starring fish earrings that can be unhooked to double as brooches.

— Vogue, "Dior, De Beers, and Repossi, Oh My! A Virtual Tour Through the Fall 2017 High Jewelry Collections," 7 July 2017
How can the United States be going through a restaurant renaissance and a restaurant recession at the same time?

— derek thompson, The Atlantic, "The Paradox of American Restaurants," 20 June 2017
This renaissance puts a new generation of children at risk.

— Philly.com, "In booming Philadelphia neighborhoods, lead-poisoned soil is resurfacing," 18 June 2017
There’s a food and wine renaissance happening in the tiny Sonoma County town of Guerneville.

— jessica yadegaran, The Mercury News, "Equality Wines to open tasting room in Guerneville," 15 June 2017
The museum is expected to draw about 100,000 visitors annually and along with a $1 billion casino scheduled to open in 2018, is part of the Springfield’s economic renaissance, Mayor Domenic Sarno said.

— mark pratt, The Seattle Times, "Oh the Places You’ll Go! Dr. Seuss museum opens its doors," 4 June 2017
Emhardt's class has been part of a renaissance of the VU men's tennis program.

— dave melton, Post-Tribune, "Charlie Emhardt leads Valparaiso to second straight NCAA tournament appearance," 11 May 2017

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

See Words from the same year

renaissance Synonyms

Synonyms

golden age, belle epoque

Antonyms

dark age

Related Words

silver age; millennium; bloom, blossom, flower, flush, glory, heyday, prime, salad days; acme, apex, climax, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

Other History Terms

agonistic, carpetbagger, enceinte, fief, historiography, paladin

RENAISSANCE Defined for English Language Learners

renaissance

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noun

Definition of renaissance for English Language Learners

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

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noun re·nais·sance \ ˌre-nə-ˈsäns \

Definition of renaissance for Students

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