noun
Renaissance
ruh-NAYSNS
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
Word Forms
Renaissances plural
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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").