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
The initiative is launching at a time when many nonprofit organizations are facing a steeper uphill climb with regard to resources and renown. Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The governor, Pliny the Younger, would go on to some renown. John Blake, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025 And people's desire to be near or part of it, especially now, where renown is embraced for no reason, the ‘famous for being famous’ kind of thing. Derek Scancarelli, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Food and Drink Tochigi Prefecture’s agricultural renown takes center stage at each one of the property's four drinking and dining venues: the Japanese Restaurant, the Western-style Lakehouse, the Lobby Lounge, and the Bar. Paul Jebara, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Renown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renown. Accessed 3 May. 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

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