renaissance
noun
re·nais·sance
ˈre-nə-ˌsän(t)s 
-ˌzän(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
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
Yet, like many 2000s trends, this one’s having a massive renaissance at the moment.
—
Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 May 2025
Now, in a post-pandemic world shaped by emotional dressing and nostalgic aesthetics, bag charms are having a renaissance.
—Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
At the time, Walt Disney Pictures, still basking in the residual glow of its 1990s renaissance, was seen as a historic institution that treated its catalogue with great reverence.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 May 2025
As rural America gains younger residents, and grows more diverse and increasingly digitally connected, these dynamics are driving a renaissance in craft foods.
—Dawn Thilmany, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for renaissance
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Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 May 2025
Now, in a post-pandemic world shaped by emotional dressing and nostalgic aesthetics, bag charms are having a renaissance.
—Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
At the time, Walt Disney Pictures, still basking in the residual glow of its 1990s renaissance, was seen as a historic institution that treated its catalogue with great reverence.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 May 2025
As rural America gains younger residents, and grows more diverse and increasingly digitally connected, these dynamics are driving a renaissance in craft foods.
—Dawn Thilmany, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for renaissance
Cite this Entry
“Renaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renaissance. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
renaissance
noun
re·nais·sance
ˌren-ə-ˈsän(t)s
-ˈzän(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)
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