Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of malignancy in the kidney parenchyma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‑coding RNAs that serve a role in various biological processes associated with human cancer. The present study aimed to explore the potential role of miRNA (miR)‑373 in the tumorigenesis of RCC. The effects of miR‑373 on the proliferation and apoptosis of RCC cells were determined using MTT, colony formation and flow cytometry assays in vitro. The results demonstrated that miR‑373 was significantly upregulated in RCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of miR‑373 expression reduced cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in 786‑O and ACHN cell lines. Furthermore, an in vivo tumorigenicity assay revealed that knockdown of miR‑373 expression reduced tumor growth in nude mice. Taken together, these data indicate that miR‑373 may promote tumorigenesis in RCC, suggesting that miR‑373 may act as a potential therapeutic target against RCC.