renown

1 of 2

noun

re·​nown ri-ˈnau̇n 

1

: a state of being widely acclaimed and highly honored : fame

2

obsolete : report, rumor

renown

2 of 2

verb

renowned; renowning; renowns

transitive verb

: to give renown to

Synonyms

Noun

• celebrity
• fame
• notoriety

Examples of renown in a Sentence

Noun

He achieved great renown for his discoveries.

Her photographs have earned her international renown.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The award that Stapleton is getting, honoring the writing prowess of someone who carries similar renown as a recording artist, was only given for the first time in 2023, when Hardy received it. —Chris Willman, Variety, 18 June 2024

However, with such renown comes immense pressure — on designers to outdo themselves each season, on the city to manage the hordes of tourists, influencers, and industry professionals, and on the inherent charm of Paris to remain undiluted amidst the escalating commercial clamor. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 15 June 2024

Verb

The Modern’s attention to his work helped set Mr. Botero on a path to renown. —Stephen Kinzer, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Sep. 2023

The old man in the piazza is experiencing something utterly alien to him: renown. —Salman Rushdie, The New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English renoun, from Anglo-French renum, renoun, from renomer to report, speak of, from re- + nomer to name, from Latin nominare, from nomin-, nomen name — more at name

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing renown

• of renown

Kids Definition

renown

noun

re·​nown

ri-ˈnau̇n

: a state of being widely known and highly honored : fame