restoration

American  

[res-tuh-rey-shuhn] / ˌrɛs təˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of restoring; renewal, revival, or reestablishment.

2. the state or fact of being restored.

3. a return of something to a former, original, normal, or unimpaired condition.

4. restitution of something taken away or lost.

5. something that is restored, as by renovating.

6. a reconstruction or reproduction of an ancient building, extinct animal, or the like, showing it in its original state.

7. a putting back into a former position, dignity, etc.

8. Dentistry.

   1. the work, process, or result of replacing or restoring teeth or parts of teeth.

   2. something that restores or replaces teeth or parts of teeth, as a filling, crown, or denture.

9. the Restoration,

   1. the reestablishment of the monarchy in England with the return of Charles II in 1660.

   2. the period of the reign of Charles II (1660–85), sometimes extended to include the reign of James II (1685–88).

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adjective

1. (initial capital letter) of, relating to, or characteristic of the Restoration.

   Restoration manners.

restoration ¹ British  

/ ˌrɛstəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of restoring or state of being restored, as to a former or original condition, place, etc

2. the replacement or giving back of something lost, stolen, etc

3. something restored, replaced, or reconstructed

4. a model or representation of an extinct animal, landscape of a former geological age, etc

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Restoration ² British  

/ ˌrɛstəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. history

   1. the re-establishment of the monarchy in 1660 or the reign of Charles II (1660–85)

   2. ( as modifier )

      Restoration drama

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Restoration Cultural  

1. The return of constitutional monarchy in Britain in the late seventeenth century. The Stuarts were placed back on the throne; the first of them after the Restoration was King Charles II.

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Discover More

The Restoration is known as a period of comparative gaiety in England after the severe days of government by the Puritans. Plays, in particular, had been banned by the Puritans; a large number, notably comedies, were produced during the Restoration.

Other Word Forms

• antirestoration adjective
• nonrestoration noun
• post-Restoration noun
• pre-Restoration adjective
• prerestoration adjective
• prorestoration adjective

Etymology

Origin of restoration

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin restaurātiōn-, stem of restaurātiō; equivalent to restore + -ation

Explanation

A restoration is when you bring something back to what it was. A crumbling house that is lovingly-rebuilt in its original style, a king who was kicked off his throne only to get it back — these are restorations. Notice the difference between renovation and restoration. If you restore a 1950s house, you use period materials and effects. A renovation might include new things. Restoration always means a putting back: if you've been ill, but get better, you might talk about your restoration of health.

Example Sentences

“We are not anticipating a restoration of the status quo ante on growth, employment, inflation, oil prices or gasoline prices given the dynamics of the conflict at this time,” he adds.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The eggs they fertilized hatched in incubation tanks on the banks of the McCloud, according to Rebekah Olstad, project manager for the Winnemem Wintu’s salmon restoration efforts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The installation also features tools from scribal workshops and information about the restoration of “Ankhmerwer.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Following an extensive, three-year restoration of “Ankhmerwer”—led by Ahmed Tarek with Brooklyn Museum conservators Lisa Bruno, Sara Bone and Josephine Jenks—“Unrolling Eternity” reintroduces this masterpiece to the public.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

We’ve added to the post that all profits are going to raise money for the restoration of the picnic area at Rockledge.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

Related Words

• reconstruction
• recovery
• refurbishment
• rehabilitation
• reinstatement
• renewal
• renovation
• repatriation
• revival