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

Sánchez said that while the building needs a renovation, she was not sure if now was the right time.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Powell said he would not leave until all investigations into his role in cost overruns for renovation of the Fed’s headquarters are “well and truly over.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

On Friday, a key obstacle on that road was removed when the US Justice Department said it was dropping -- for now -- the criminal probe into Powell over the renovation project's cost overruns.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Almost two years ago, the skeleton of a baby was found beneath floorboards during a house renovation, wrapped in a 110-year-old newspaper.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

The renovation provided an opportunity to add a new feature to the White House—an atomic bomb shelter.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• improvement
• renewal
• repair
• restoration
• upgrade