spoiler

noun

spoil·​er ˈspȯi-lər 

1

a

: one that spoils

b

: one (such as a political candidate) having little or no chance of winning but capable of depriving a rival of success

2

a

: a long narrow plate along the upper surface of an airplane wing that may be raised for reducing lift and increasing drag see airplane illustration

b

: an air deflector on an automobile to reduce the tendency to lift off the road at high speeds

3

: information about the plot of a movie or TV program that can spoil a viewer's sense of surprise or suspense

also : a person who discloses such information

Examples of spoiler in a Sentence

The review contains a few spoilers, so don't read it if you haven't seen the movie.

Recent Examples on the Web

This post contains spoilers for The Diplomat Season 4, now streaming on Netflix. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Its rear features more differentiated flair in which the vehicle's spoiler flows into its rear panels. — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

But Day is onto something with the spoiler effect, whether it’s induced by him or not. — semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Fiat is also dreaming of a rear spoiler that could provide aero in its usual configuration, and rotate to hold the front wheels of two bicycles in place when the Multiplay is in pickup mode. — New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing spoiler

• spoiler alert

Rhymes for spoiler

• boiler
• broiler
• oiler
• toiler
• reboiler

Kids Definition

spoiler

noun

spoil·​er ˈspȯi-lər 

1

a

: one that spoils

b

: one (as a political candidate) having little or no chance of winning but capable of depriving a rival of success

2

: a device (as on an airplane or automobile) used to disrupt airflow and decrease lift

3

: information about the plot of a book, motion picture, or television program that can spoil a reader's or a viewer's sense of surprise or suspense