renaissance

noun, re·nais·sance often attributive \ˌre-nə-ˈsän(t)s, -ˈzän(t)s, -ˈsäⁿs, -ˈzäⁿs, ˈre-nə-ˌ, chiefly British ri-ˈnā-s^ən(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

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

often capitalized : a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity

: rebirth, revival

See renaissance defined for English-language learners

See renaissance defined for kids

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

First Known Use: 1845

Related to RENAISSANCE

Synonyms: golden age, belle epoque

Antonyms: dark age

Other History Terms

agonistic, carpetbagger, enceinte, fief, historiography, paladin

Rhymes with RENAISSANCE

à outrance, diligence, Fort-de-France, Mendès-France, ordonnance, par avance

RENAISSANCE Defined for Kids

renaissance

noun re·nais·sance \ˌre-nə-ˈsäns\

Definition of RENAISSANCE for Kids

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

: the act of changing in a positive way : a period during which things are improving <The city's downtown is experiencing a renaissance.>