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

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Synonyms & Antonyms for renaissance

Synonyms

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 The past decade has seen something of a renaissance in Italian fashion, as houses like Gucci and Versace have rebooted and reasserted il bel paese’s dominance on the international stage. — Kareem Rashed, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2021 Young adult literature is experiencing a renaissance. — Mary Cadden, USA TODAY, 17 July 2021 Psychedelic agents are experiencing a veritable renaissance. — Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 5 July 2021 By 2012, the once-sleepy field of machine learning was experiencing a renaissance. — Washington Post, 1 July 2021 Still, beyond the occasional Emperor’s New Clothes–esque gatekeeper, art collecting is experiencing a renaissance in the increasingly relevant virtual space. — Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 17 June 2021 Along with its ancient cathedrals and palaces, the city is experiencing a cultural renaissance with everything from diverse museum exhibits to sporting events, like the 2026 Mediterranean Games. — Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 4 June 2021 And four songs by 20th-century American composer Florence Price — who's experiencing a welcome renaissance — were fine showcases for Barton's storytelling skills and impeccable vocal control. — Rob Hubbard, Star Tribune, 14 May 2021 Or Calgary, which is experiencing a renaissance with cool eateries, hip neighborhoods, and proximity to the best trails in the Canadian Rockies (Banff National Park is an hour away). — Lilly Graves, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2021

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

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renaissance

Renaissance architecture

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Last Updated

13 Sep 2021

Cite this Entry

“Renaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renaissance. Accessed 21 Sep. 2021.

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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.