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
Renaissance
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 Renaissance
: 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
But all of that aside, perhaps the best part of her career renaissance is that in recent years, the world has gotten to know new sides of the fresh-faced beauty.
—
Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 6 Apr. 2026
The famous Harlem neighborhood of New York City, and its Black cultural and social renaissance, created the kind of influence and inspiration that stretched beyond its physical boundaries to people all over the world, including in San Diego.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
The tariffs forced global investors to reassess their exposure to US assets, and failed to unleash an American manufacturing renaissance.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026
In the twenty-first century, pickling has experienced a renaissance.
—Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for renaissance
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Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 6 Apr. 2026
The famous Harlem neighborhood of New York City, and its Black cultural and social renaissance, created the kind of influence and inspiration that stretched beyond its physical boundaries to people all over the world, including in San Diego.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
The tariffs forced global investors to reassess their exposure to US assets, and failed to unleash an American manufacturing renaissance.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026
In the twenty-first century, pickling has experienced a renaissance.
—Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for renaissance
Cite this Entry
“Renaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renaissance. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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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