Renaissance man

American  

noun

1. a cultured man of the Renaissance who was knowledgeable, educated, or proficient in a wide range of fields.

2. (sometimes lowercase) a present-day man who has acquired profound knowledge or proficiency in more than one field.

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Renaissance man British  

noun

1. a man of any period who has a broad range of intellectual interests

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Renaissance man Cultural  

1. An outstandingly versatile, well-rounded person. The expression alludes to such Renaissance figures as Leonardo da Vinci, who performed brilliantly in many different fields.

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Etymology

Origin of Renaissance man

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Or it could simply indicate that collectors feel safer splurging on a household-name artist like Rembrandt, a Renaissance man famed for his pensive, realistic self-portraits in earthen hues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Charles is at once a Renaissance man and a Luddite.

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2024

But it’s actually a good fit for the Texas native and musical Renaissance man.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2024

Now, the composer Joseph Boulogne would be hailed as a Renaissance man: artist, athlete, intellectual, soldier.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2024

It’s my honor and pleasure to salute You, a true Renaissance man of Harlem.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes