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

Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul emerged into what has been called the Third Golden Age of Television, a renaissance in audacious, cinematic cable programming for adult audiences, spurred by the success of The Sopranos and sustained by Netflix’s need to build a streaming library. —Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025

Yet, despite all of this, 2025 has felt something like a renaissance period for the prolific creator. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025

But is this the beginning of a renaissance — a Lily-sance? —Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Oct. 2025

The heavier personnel helps in the run game, where the NFL has also enjoyed a small renaissance over the last two seasons. —Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 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)