renovation

American  

[ren-uh-vey-shuhn] / ˌrɛn əˈveɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of repairing, renewing, or restoring to good condition.

   The project will include interior and exterior renovation and rehabilitation to upgrade the school’s infrastructure.

2. the act of reinvigorating or reviving.

   The transition to organic growing will require an investment of labor and capital to complete the orchard renovation, install new plantings, and build economic viability.

3. Usually renovations something that has been repaired or restored to a better condition, or the work done to repair or restore something.

   Renovations to the theater include new doors and windows, a new lighting system, and a refurbished floor for the stage.

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Etymology

Origin of renovation

First recorded in 1400–50, for an earlier sense; from Latin renovātiōn-, stem of renovātiō “renewal”; see renovate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does renovation compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• renovation vs. remodel

Explanation

Renovation is the act of renewing or restoring something. If your kitchen is undergoing a renovation, there’s probably plaster and paint all over the place and you should probably get take-out. The roots of renovation refer to newness and doing something again — it’s from the Latin re- for "again" and novare which means, "make new.” A rundown building is in need of renovation, or a website that's being redesigned is under renovation. After renovation, things look new and improved. Before the word underwent renovation, in the early 15th century, renovacyoun meant "spiritual rebirth,” which is how you might feel after your kitchen is redone.

Example Sentences

With expanded display space after a $60.5 million renovation, the museum highlights the history of the Indy 500 through informative exhibits and an impressive collection of race cars.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

When the actress bought the property, it had just undergone an extensive six-year renovation, which included the grounds and the swimming pool.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Harry Truman’s gut renovation of the crumbling executive mansion aimed to preserve the original feel of the White House’s public areas and living quarters.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

He has slapped his name on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and transformed its mission, and he has announced the facility’s closure for a two-year renovation project later this year.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

You might not have known what was happening by observing life at the Greenbrier, which continued to be upgraded and whose renovation was completed during the 1930s.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Related Words

• improvement
• renewal
• repair
• restoration
• upgrade