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

Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire? —Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 May 2026

Carbon-ceramic brakes are also standard here and reduce unsprung mass by nearly 60 pounds, while a new front splitter and rear spoiler aid high-speed stability. —Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026

Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire? —CBS News, 8 May 2026

This story contains spoilers from the season 22 finale of Grey’s Anatomy. —Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 8 May 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