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
Silicon Valley firms are advocating for the U.S. to embark on a nuclear energy renaissance.
—
Time, 15 July 2025
In 2019, the Astir Palace reopened as the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, kicking off a renaissance that, in the past two years, has included the arrival of more stylish hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs.
—Hester Underhill, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Affleck credits O’Brien with a Boston movie renaissance.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
In many ways, Spokane could be on the cusp of a renaissance.
—Brian G. Henning, The Conversation, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for renaissance
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Time, 15 July 2025
In 2019, the Astir Palace reopened as the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, kicking off a renaissance that, in the past two years, has included the arrival of more stylish hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs.
—Hester Underhill, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Affleck credits O’Brien with a Boston movie renaissance.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
In many ways, Spokane could be on the cusp of a renaissance.
—Brian G. Henning, The Conversation, 9 July 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 21 Jul. 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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