First Known Use: 1845
Dictionary
renaissance
noun, re·nais·sance often attributive \ˌre-nə-ˈsän(t)s, -ˈzän(t)s, -ˈsäⁿs, -ˈzäⁿs, ˈre-nə-ˌ, chiefly British ri-ˈnā-sən(t)s\
the Renaissance : the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries when there was a new interest in science and in ancient art and literature especially in Italy
: a situation or period of time when there is a new interest in something that has not been popular in a long time
: a period of new growth or activity
Full Definition of RENAISSANCE
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 neoclassic style of architecture prevailing during the Renaissance
2
often capitalized : a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity
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Origin of RENAISSANCE
French, from Middle French, rebirth, from Old French renaistre to be born again, from Latin renasci, from re- + nasci to be born — more at nation
Related to RENAISSANCE
- Synonyms
- golden age, belle epoque
- Antonyms
- dark age
Other History Terms
Rhymes with RENAISSANCE
RENAISSANCE Defined for Kids
renaissance
noun re·nais·sance \ˌre-nə-ˈsäns\
Definition of RENAISSANCE for Kids
1
cap : the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries marked by a fresh interest in ancient art and literature and by the beginnings of modern science
2
: the act of changing in a positive way : a period during which things are improving <The city's downtown is experiencing a renaissance.>
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