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

Both are within walking distance of a downtown seeing a renaissance. — Sharon Coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "Takeaways we learned from a visit to Orlando MLS stadium/community just like FC Cincinnati's," 9 June 2019 Thanks to Cardi B and Kim Kardashian West, archival Mugler pieces are experiencing a renaissance. — Rachel Hahn, Vogue, "This Rising R&B Star Channeled Blade Runner in Mugler’s Front Row," 27 Feb. 2019 This part of the world was never a bad idea, but Cabo San Lucas has undergone a renaissance in the lead up to 2019 (plus more to come this year), with more new and updated luxury hotel offerings than ever before. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "The 19 Best Places to Travel in 2019," 10 Jan. 2019 Detroit has been undergoing a renaissance, but that’s due mainly to Governor Rick Snyder’s decision to appoint an emergency manager in 2013 to get the city’s finances in order. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Motor City Madness," 27 Sep. 2018 And, through stylish design, new SUV and crossover entrants and consistent advertising, Buick has done what GM's luxury brand, Cadillac, has not — achieved a brand renaissance that drives increased new car sales and attracts younger buyers. — Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, "The GM brand that nearly died and the unlikely buyers saving it," 27 June 2018 Designed in 1962 at the height of Italy’s post-war design renaissance, the Arco Floor Lamp was just one of 150 or so practical everyday objects designed by Italian brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. — Maggie Burch, House Beautiful, "The Arco Floor Lamp Is the Perfect Solution for Rooms Without Overhead Lighting," 5 Feb. 2019 In recent years, Chicago’s outré version of feminist art has been enjoying something of a renaissance. — Harper's BAZAAR, "Art Pioneer Judy Chicago Is the Feminist We All Need," 2 Apr. 2019 As the Cavs look ahead to a matchup with either the Sixers or Celtics, who lead that series 3-1 and host Game 5 on Wednesday, Love's renaissance gives Cleveland the most comfort. — Tom Withers, Houston Chronicle, "Sweep, sleep: Cavaliers oust Raptors, wait for East finals foe," 8 May 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

Statistics for renaissance

Last Updated

17 Jun 2019

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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 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.