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

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 from the season 11 premiere of When Calls the Heart. Elizabeth Thornton is having her Felicity moment! —Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024

All Patreon content is subject to the company’s own guidelines, but different creators may have specific community rules, like a ban on posting spoilers — and having multiple moderators could help develop and enforce expectations. —Mia Sato, The Verge, 3 Apr. 2024

That starts a five-game homestand in which the Sharks face both the Kings and the Blues again, presenting more opportunities to play spoiler. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024

In recent months, the DNC has also mounted its pushback against Kennedy as a spoiler candidate and a boon to Trump. —Anna Merlan, WIRED, 26 Mar. 2024

Catch up on all the drama:How to watch ‘The Bachelor’ Women Tell All tonight, juicy spoilers on Joey's pick and more How is the ‘Bachelorette’ chosen? —Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 25 Mar. 2024

Earlier this month, the FAA proposed ordering airlines to inspect wiring bundles around the spoilers on Max jets. —David Koenig, Quartz, 22 Mar. 2024

The new radiator grille features four horizontal louvres, the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, the A-pillar has new cladding, and the front of the roof is now outfitted with a lip spoiler. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024

This article contains spoilers for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. —EW.com, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing spoiler

• 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