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

Renaissance

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 Renaissance : a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity

3

: rebirth, revival

Synonyms of renaissance

• millennium
• golden age
• zenith
• 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

The Watson corner three renaissance has resumed lately. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Nov. 2025

Although Simpson took a step back from the spotlight to raise her family and devote herself to her billion-dollar fashion line, the Jessica Simpson Collection, she's recently experienced something of a career renaissance. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025

But this renaissance has yet to materialize and certain data suggests that the long-term decline may have hastened under his watch. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Bellettini is reinforcing and streamlining top management ranks as the Italian fashion house gears up for a renaissance under Demna. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 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

1830, 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)