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

And for his next act, this renaissance man of math is doing something improbable even by his standards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

At 73, Santaolalla is a soundtrack renaissance man.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2024

British actor David McCallum is being remembered as a "true renaissance man" after his death at age 90.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2023

As a renaissance man and amateur enlightenment philosopher, Laszlo champions reason over violence, and loyalty to his heart over any law that would compel him to do otherwise.

From Salon • Aug. 25, 2023

Jeff is a renaissance man, drilling down to the core issues and pushing the envelope.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker