Simple Definition of manifest destiny

from our Learner's Dictionary

manifest destiny

noun

variants or Manifest Destiny
formal : a future event that is sure to happen : a destiny that can be clearly seen and that cannot be changed
They were living in a time when expansion to the Pacific was regarded by many people as the Manifest Destiny of the United States.

Cite this Entry

“Manifest destiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/manifest%20destiny. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on manifest destiny

More from Merriam-Webster