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denouement
or dé·noue·ment
[ dey-noo-mahn ]
/ ˌdeɪ nuˈmɑ̃ /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
the final resolution of the intricacies of a plot, as of a drama or novel.
the place in the plot at which this occurs.
the outcome or resolution of a doubtful series of occurrences.
OTHER WORDS FOR denouement
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Words nearby denouement
denotation, denotative, denote, denoting, denotive, denouement, denounce, de novo, Denpasar, dens, dense
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use denouement in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for denouement
denouement
dnouement (French denumɑ̃)
/ (deɪˈnuːmɒn) /
noun
- the final clarification or resolution of a plot in a play or other work
- the point at which this occurs
final outcome; solution
Word Origin for denouement
C18: from French, literally: an untying, from dénouer to untie, from Old French desnoer, from des- de- + noer to tie, knot, from Latin nōdāre, from nōdus a knot; see node
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for denouement
dénouement
[ (day-nooh-mahnn) ]
The solution or outcome of the plot of a play or novel: “In the dénouement of many tragedies, the main character dies.”
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.