renown

1 of 2

noun

re·​nown ri-ˈnau̇n 

1

: a state of being widely acclaimed and highly honored : fame

2

obsolete : report, rumor

renown

2 of 2

verb

renowned; renowning; renowns

transitive verb

: to give renown to

Synonyms

Noun

• fame
• notoriety
• celebrity
• repute
• reputation

Examples of renown in a Sentence

Noun

He achieved great renown for his discoveries.

Her photographs have earned her international renown.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The hefty shoes were emblematic of the brand’s renown within streetwear circles, prized for its oversize outerwear, slogan knits and distressed jeans. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025

With the international renown of the kidnap and the constant pressure from Catriona’s father, Sir Broderick Grant (James Cosmo), the team take on the biggest challenge of their careers to date. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025

In a statement, McAnuff said he’s honored to join the university’s theater department because of its growing renown. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025

The film, which premiered in competition in Cannes, earned Cardinale international renown as well as her first di Donatello award. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English renoun, from Anglo-French renum, renoun, from renomer to report, speak of, from re- + nomer to name, from Latin nominare, from nomin-, nomen name — more at name

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing renown

• of renown

Rhymes for renown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

renown

noun

re·​nown

ri-ˈnau̇n

: a state of being widely known and highly honored : fame