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

To reveal more would be to go against the impassioned plea by the good folks at Disney not to reveal any plot spoilers, etc. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026

The following review contains mild spoilers. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026

Without going into true spoilers, a big moment for Maki, a Kill Bill homage, excellent fight scenes and more. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The Sorcerer’s enormous rear wing catches the eye the most, which was a choice of the owner, who also wanted a front spoiler to make the car more track-focused. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 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