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.

---

Renaissance man British  

noun

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of Renaissance man

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

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

Maurice Sr. was both jack-of-all-trades and working-class Renaissance man, for a time alternating roles as nightclub bouncer and drum-playing orchestra leader, Nurse said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2024

Smart, worldly and insatiably curious, Mr. Ramaswamy is about as close as you get to a Renaissance man in our times.

From Washington Times • Jul. 24, 2023

It’s my honor and pleasure to salute You, a true Renaissance man of Harlem.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes