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

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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Synonyms & Antonyms for renaissance

Synonyms

belle epoque (or belle époque), golden age

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

What isn’t so well-perceived is how New York’s green spaces – the city’s parks and gardens – have been essential to this renaissance. — Adrian Higgins, sacbee, "Fertilize your creative spirit with these gardening books," 8 June 2018 For reasons that likely will require little explanation, Gloria Steinem is experiencing a kind of pop cultural renaissance these days. — Noor Brara, Vogue, "Gloria: A Life Is One Part Theater Experience, One Part Group Therapy," 19 Oct. 2018 But if a nuclear renaissance occurs due to efforts to respond to climate change, and uranium prices rise, then recovering uranium from the sea might not be a bad option. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "Attention knitters: Researchers harvest uranium from the sea with a yarn “net”," 18 June 2018 Mayor Tom Barrett said the city is undergoing a historic renaissance and expressed hope that Foxconn’s downtown presence will add to the trend. — Rick Romell, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Foxconn buys downtown office building for $14.9 million, says 500 people will work there," 15 June 2018 Buy Photo Philadelphia’s growing skyline is not the only sign of the city’s ongoing renaissance. — Jamie Gauthier, Philly.com, "How you can help Philly reimagine our civic spaces | Opinion," 14 June 2018 Another material having a serious renaissance at the moment is concrete, which counts designer and Restored by the Fords host Leanne Ford as a devotee. — Emma Bazilian, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need to Know About Textured Wall Finishes," 7 Feb. 2019 This region is one of many undergoing a renaissance right now, where the next generation is coming on board making more exciting wines than ever before. — Laura Giannatempo, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Wine to Pair With Turkey, According to Wine Experts," 15 Nov. 2018 Far from the posh village of Notting Hill, bustling Covent Garden has evolved into an epicenter for the recent French renaissance in London. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "Where to Find London’s Hidden French Side," 7 Jan. 2019

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

11 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for renaissance

The first known use of renaissance was in 1837

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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.