renovation
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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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.
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:
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.
Vocabulary lists containing renovation
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Appeared in the October 8, 2025, print edition as 'Smart Homes Getting An AI Renovation'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025
Renovation can be a good way to save a historic hall.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2024
A Home Renovation Battle: Neighbors have multiple opportunities to raise objections, and some disputes can only be resolved by San Francisco’s top governing body.
From New York Times • May 18, 2024
Renovation work in Amsterdam means officials will be unable to process cross-Channel passengers until 2025.
From BBC • Nov. 27, 2023
Renovation had started on the Casa Marina Hotel.
From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
