renown

1 of 2

noun

re·​nown ri-ˈnau̇n How to pronounce renown (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
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 Kim Fowler's successful career, in brief Over three decades, Fowler achieved renown for her work with Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Nickel Creek, among many artists. Marcus K. Dowling, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025 There are a lot of reasons for this dynastic recent past, of course, and for the Chiefs’ increasingly world-wide renown. Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renown

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of renown was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Renown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renown. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

renown

noun
re·​nown
ri-ˈnau̇n
: a state of being widely known and highly honored : fame

More from Merriam-Webster on renown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!