Renaissance man

American  

noun

1. a cultured man of the Renaissance who was knowledgeable, educated, or proficient in a wide range of fields.

2. (sometimes lowercase) a present-day man who has acquired profound knowledge or proficiency in more than one field.

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Renaissance man British  

noun

1. a man of any period who has a broad range of intellectual interests

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Renaissance man Cultural  

1. An outstandingly versatile, well-rounded person. The expression alludes to such Renaissance figures as Leonardo da Vinci, who performed brilliantly in many different fields.

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Etymology

Origin of Renaissance man

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Renaissance man

Through him, we are allowed a rare glimpse into the street-level experiences of a common Renaissance man.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026

I recently spoke with Weller about the legacy and politics of “RoboCop,” his long career, turn as a Renaissance man, the importance of jazz and his friendship with Miles Davis.

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2025

But it’s actually a good fit for the Texas native and musical Renaissance man.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2024

Now, the composer Joseph Boulogne would be hailed as a Renaissance man: artist, athlete, intellectual, soldier.

From New York Times ● Jan. 22, 2024

He was, in truth, more of a Renaissance man than a modern scientist, and still thought in terms of vital forces, an abstract conception of perfection and spirits that kept the body alive.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin