renaissance

noun

re·​nais·​sance ˈre-nə-ˌsän(t)s How to pronounce renaissance (audio) -ˌzän(t)s How to pronounce renaissance (audio)
-ˌsäⁿs,
-ˌzäⁿs;
ˌre-nə-ˈsän(t)s How to pronounce renaissance (audio)
-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

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 Over the years, though, as rye whiskey had a renaissance and it became generally accepted that rye makes a superior Manhattan, the Black Manhattan evolved as well. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2024 More recently, government and commercial drones, new kinds of satellites and errant weather balloons have led to a renaissance in unusual observations. Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 However, after years of hurt and ridicule from opposition fans, Leverkusen’s fortunes might have finally turned, and the club’s renaissance has a lot to do with one man. Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 The castle was also decorated with cherubs, miniature renaissance paintings and silk flowers. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 This economic renaissance is deeply rooted in our people’s spirit. Shaundell Newsome, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024 Around five or six years ago, the hat seemed to be having a renaissance. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 29 Feb. 2024 Eleven of her albums — including her last nine studio releases dating back to Fever — reached the Billboard 200, and 10 appeared on the Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, including Disco, a highlight of the dance-pop renaissance of 2020 that went to No. 1 on the latter. Rebecca Milzoff, Billboard, 29 Feb. 2024 Lately, the Mexican capital has been experiencing a renaissance. Luis Antonio Rojas, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'renaissance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of renaissance was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near renaissance

Cite this Entry

“Renaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renaissance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

renaissance

noun
re·​nais·​sance ˌren-ə-ˈsän(t)s How to pronounce renaissance (audio) -ˈzän(t)s How to pronounce renaissance (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on renaissance

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