renovation

American  

[ren-uh-vey-shuhn] / ˌrɛn əˈveɪ ʃən /

noun

renovations plural

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.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• renovations
  plural

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

Her son, Jack, 34, whom she shares with ex-husband Dennis Quaid, often teases his mom about her home renovation process and has even branded her work “Meg-anized.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

The company is also holding a contest to find the oldest coupon out there, with a prize of a home renovation worth $100,000.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 22, 2026

Despite a recent multi-million dollar renovation, including a fresh coat of blue paint, the historic structure continues to face issues - most prominently algae turning the water a bright shade of green.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

The renovation is among the preparations for the 250th anniversary celebrations of independence from in the United States this summer, on July 4.

From Barron's • Jun. 21, 2026

The family computer was in the old part of the house, what had been the front room before the renovation.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

• improvement
• renewal
• repair
• restoration
• upgrade