denouement noun 1. the final resolution of the intricacies of a plot, as of a drama or novel. 2. the place in the plot at which this occurs. 3. the outcome or resolution of a doubtful series of occurrences. word origin: 1745-55; < French: literally, an untying, equivalent to dénouer to untie, Old French desnoer (des- de- + noer to knot < Latin nōdāre, derivative of nōdus knot) + -ment -ment