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

Below, during a spoiler conversation with THR, Petsch also discusses the other major changes made in the overhaul of Chapter 3, as well as how Scarecrow’s identity was originally supposed to be revealed. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026

Although France is the favorite to repeat, England is likely in the mix to play spoiler as underdogs to win it all. —Rudie Obias, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026

This article contains spoilers for Fallout season 2 finale. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026

There are various nods to the automotive world, including a sleek windshield with a roll bar that extends beyond the beam in a spoiler-like way. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 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