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

This post contains spoilers for the pilot episode of Rooster on HBO Max. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2026

No spoilers here, but the resolution is not easy or straightforward. —John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

The 18-inch black alloy wheels and black roof spoiler lend the Carbon Edition a subtle athletic stance. —Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026

This article contains spoilers for all episodes of Netflix's Vladimir. —Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 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