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

• millennium
• golden age
• pinnacle

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

And not in Portland, the northern state’s city that has been enjoying a rich culinary renaissance. —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2025

On that note, Squid Game Seasons 1 and 2 saw their own renaissance thanks to the final season, landing on the weekly non-English TV Top 10 list. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 July 2025

That night was such a vibe and brought an energy to the Platform that was uplifting and solidifying in knowing that Jamaican and the Caribbean diaspora is here leading a renaissance in the culinary world. —Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

The Senate president’s rural renaissance legislation was cut in negotiations. —Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025

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

Rhymes for renaissance

• esperance
• nonchalance
• nonresponse
• bons
• hans
• launce
• nonce
• sconce
• naissance
• response

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)