1. plural of cinquecento; the 16th century, especially in reference to Italian Renaissance art, literature, and culture
Usage: often capitalized when referring to the historical period; primarily used in art history and cultural contexts

Examples

• The museum's collection features paintings from the cinquecentos.
• Scholars of the cinquecentos often study the works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
• The cinquecentos marked a flourishing of artistic innovation in Italy.
• Many masterpieces from the cinquecentos are housed in Florence's galleries.