noun
Common
Renaissance
ruh-NAYSNS
Renaissance (noun) means the period of renewed interest in art, science, and learning in Europe from roughly the 14th to 16th centuries, following the Middle Ages. Example: “The Renaissance produced masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.”
noun
1
The period of renewed interest in art, science, and learning in Europe from roughly the 14th to 16th centuries, following the Middle Ages.
"The Renaissance produced masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci."
2
Any period of renewed creativity, growth, or interest in something.
"The city is enjoying a renaissance in independent theatre."
How to use Renaissance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA "rebirth" — either the historical European era, or any fresh burst of creativity and revival.
Common pairings
Renaissance art
a cultural renaissance
Renaissance man
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Word forms
- Plural
- Renaissances
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The _____ produced masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Etymology
Borrowed from French renaissance, literally "rebirth" — from re- ("again") plus naissance ("birth").
Related words
Rhymes for Renaissance
See all rhymes for Renaissance →Frequently asked questions
What does “Renaissance” mean?
The word “Renaissance” means the period of renewed interest in art, science, and learning in Europe from roughly the 14th to 16th centuries, following the Middle Ages. In plain terms, a "rebirth" — either the historical European era, or any fresh burst of creativity and revival.
How do you pronounce “Renaissance”?
“Renaissance” is pronounced ruh-NAYSNS (/ˈɹɛnəˌsɑns/ in IPA).
How do you use “Renaissance” in a sentence?
Here is “Renaissance” used in a sentence: “The Renaissance produced masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.”
What part of speech is “Renaissance”?
“Renaissance” is a noun.
Where does the word “Renaissance” come from?
The word “Renaissance” comes from French. Borrowed from French renaissance, literally "rebirth" — from re- ("again") plus naissance ("birth").
Is “Renaissance” a common word?
“Renaissance” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Renaissance” have?
“Renaissance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the period of renewed interest in art, science, and learning in Europe from roughly the 14th to 16th centuries, following the Middle Ages.
What is the difference between "Renaissance" and "renaissance" (capital versus lowercase)?
Capitalised, "Renaissance" names the specific European period of renewed interest in art, science, and learning from roughly the 14th to the 16th centuries. Lowercase, "renaissance" means any period of renewed creativity, growth, or interest, such as a cultural or career renaissance.
What is the difference between a "renaissance" and a "revival"?
Both describe a renewal of interest or activity. "Renaissance" often implies a broad flowering of creativity and growth, echoing the historical Renaissance, whereas "revival" can be narrower and applies to reviving a single thing, such as a play or a trend.
What words commonly follow "renaissance"?
In its general sense, common pairings include "cultural renaissance," "urban renaissance," and "career renaissance." Each describes a fresh period of growth, creativity, or renewed interest in something.
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