Simple Definition of deus ex machina

from our Learner's Dictionary

deus ex machina

noun

: a character or thing that suddenly enters the story in a novel, play, movie, etc., and solves a problem that had previously seemed impossible to solve

Cite this Entry

“Deus ex machina.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/deus%20ex%20machina. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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