renaissance

noun, often attributive

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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 \

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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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 Wade Payne/Invision/AP Images The Dolly Parton renaissance is upon us. — Daniel Wolfe, Quartz, "Babies named Jolene are on the rise," 12 Dec. 2019 But the second-half renaissance wasn’t enough to avoid the tough TNT critique. — Joe Freeman, oregonlive, "After Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley call out Portland Trail Blazers’ Hassan Whiteside, he responds with big 2nd half," 8 Nov. 2019 Asbury Park’s renaissance is still a work in progress. — Nick Corasaniti, New York Times, "The Fall and Rise of the Town Springsteen Made Famous," 23 Sep. 2019 As astronomers began erecting observatories on Mauna Kea in the 1970s, a cultural renaissance was sweeping Hawaii. — Jason Davis, NBC News, "A huge telescope in Hawaii could lead us to alien life. First it has to get off the ground.," 18 Aug. 2019 The city’s renaissance was still in bloom, and Cleveland’s downtown was showing remarkable signs of commercial and residential regeneration. — Phillip Morris, cleveland.com, "All-Star Game gives nation a new look at Cleveland’s grit, relevance: Phillip Morris," 7 July 2019 The world is watching Harlem, but this renaissance will be different. — Chevaz Clarke, CBS News, "Pharrell Williams promises internships to more than 100 Harlem high school graduates," 3 July 2019 DC’s culinary renaissance is also perfect for foodies looking for a one of kind experience-dozens of pop-up bars opened in 2018 alone. — Sara Rodrigues, House Beautiful, "The 10 Best Vacations You Can Take With Your Tax Refund," 18 Mar. 2019 The Miley Cyrus renaissance is in full swing right now. — Allie Gemmill, Teen Vogue, "Miley Cyrus Is Reportedly Returning to Television in "Black Mirror"," 13 Dec. 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

14 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Renaissance.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renaissance. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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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.

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