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 motion picture or TV program that can spoil a viewer's sense of surprise or suspense

also : a person who discloses such information

Example Sentences

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Fair warning: The below is a tad rant-y, not entirely easy to follow, contains mild spoilers and is generally a bit of an eyeroll. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2023

This story has light spoilers for Fire Country season 1. —Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 4 Aug. 2023

In protagonist Belly’s case, her one true match is—spoiler—Conrad. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 4 Aug. 2023

Beyond that, Harjo is hesitant to share any spoilers. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Aug. 2023

The extending rear spoiler comes equipped with a Gurney flap. —Jack Fitzgerald, Car and Driver, 1 Aug. 2023

The following story contains spoilers for Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer (2023). —Evan Romano, Men's Health, 1 Aug. 2023

This season of The Bachelorette has been an unusually short one, but somehow the finale spoilers have remained relatively under wraps—until now. —Olivia Evans, Women's Health, 27 July 2023

This article contains spoilers for the film Barbie. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 28 July 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing spoiler

• spoiler alert

• spoiler alert

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