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: 12 Aug 2018

Examples: renaissance in a Sentence

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

Astrology has been experiencing a renaissance among young people, and Rehanna Fernandes Nuñez and Perez, who have been friends for five years, jumped on the topic with gusto.

— zoë madonna, BostonGlobe.com, "With a collaborative piece for Boston Landmarks Orchestra, ZUMIX students reach for the stars," 12 July 2018
The language’s use declined for nearly a century, until the late-1960s cultural renaissance that took place in Europe and across the world.

— adam cohen, Smithsonian, "This Musician’s Songs Give Powerful Voice to a Language in Crisis," 3 July 2018
Surfer Girls in Spirit Menswear is experiencing a beachwear renaissance, and the idea has infiltrated the women’s Resort collections.

— steff yotka, Vogue, "The Resort 2019 Trend Report," 25 June 2018
To say that Debbie Matenopoulos is a modern-day renaissance woman would be a total understatement.

— alexis reliford, Good Housekeeping, "A Day in the Life of Hallmark Channel's Debbie Matenopoulos," 22 June 2018
The black-pride movement is experiencing a renaissance in Brazil, and Instagram is its main stage.

— kiratiana freelon, The Root, "#Nigga, What? Afro-Brazilians Express Black Pride by Embracing a Problematic Word," 6 June 2018
Spy satellite imagery was declassified and put to use in other arenas, seeding the ground for today’s private satellite-mapping renaissance.

— geoff manaugh, The Atlantic, "Los Angeles, America’s Future Spaceport," 17 May 2018
The group barely even resembled last year’s bullpen, which featured career renaissances from Peter Moylan and Mike Minor and a sharp Scott Alexander.

— maria torres, kansascity, "Ned Yost believed in his bullpen, but it keeps getting worse after Jays sweep Royals | The Kansas City Star," 18 Apr. 2018
Rooftop bar: Boutique hotel coming to historic Indy building Amid Indianapolis’ restaurant renaissance, hotel dining rooms hardly stand out.

— liz biro, Indianapolis Star, "Why restaurants in Indianapolis hotels don't have to suck," 12 Apr. 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

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

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