renaissance

noun

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

often attributive

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

• belle epoque
• belle époque
• golden age

Example Sentences

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

Auburn’s defense has undergone a midseason renaissance, with the unit turning a corner and putting up three quality performances since the shakeup within the program. Tom Green | [e-mail], al, 22 Nov. 2022

The coffeehouse musicians that were the dominant force in the U.S. during the folk-heavy 1950s and early ’60s have been experiencing a mini-renaissance lately. Jevon Phillips, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2022

Baltimore is going through a similar renaissance as weekend series against the Red Sox or Yankees at Camden Yards started to attract just as many Orioles fans as ones rooting for the opposition. Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Nov. 2022

Recent research conducted by Allianz Partners suggests that the strong dollar has encouraged a renaissance for overseas holiday travel. Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2022

At the same time, college football was undergoing a rapid offensive renaissance as spread offenses proliferated. Laine Higgins, WSJ, 3 Nov. 2022

Downtown Napa’s renaissance shows no signs of a slowdown. Jess Lander, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Nov. 2022

The period from the 8th through the 11th is something of a rollercoaster but with Venus powerfully aspecting Pluto on the 13th, a kind of emotional renaissance leads to personal breakthroughs that set you on a new path. Katharine Merlin, Town & Country, 1 Nov. 2022

In the aftermath of his death, tributes from fellow performers flooded social media, including one from Bravo's Andy Cohen, who mentioned Jordan's social media renaissance. Lanford Beard, Peoplemag, 31 Oct. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

renaissance

noun

re·​nais·​sance ˌren-ə-ˈsän(t)s  -ˈzän(t)s 

1

capitalized : the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries marked by a flourishing of art and literature inspired by ancient times and by the beginnings of modern science

2

often capitalized : a movement or period of great activity (as in literature, science, and the arts)