spoilsport

noun

spoil·​sport ˈspȯi(-ə)l-ˌspȯrt 

: one who spoils the sport or pleasure of others

Synonyms

• drag
• grinch
• killjoy
• party pooper
• wet blanket

Examples of spoilsport in a Sentence

Oh, don't be a spoilsport. Let them try it.

Dad's a spoilsport. He won't let us play football.

Recent Examples on the Web

Millennial workers are increasingly becoming the office spoilsports, with young people increasingly likely to be in it for the money rather than for fun, as years of economic turmoil force them to keep their heads down, collect their monthly paychecks, and fight for a promotion. —Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 26 June 2024

This spoilsport effort has become fodder for late-night comedy routines and gripes about liberal overlords such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg banishing all fun. —Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2024

Be prepared to be labelled humourless, difficult, a spoilsport, and a ruiner of parties, meetings, dinners, and picnics. —Natalie Gil, refinery29.com, 11 July 2023

Sorry for being a spoilsport. —John F. Wasik, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

spoilsport

noun

spoil·​sport ˈspȯi(ə)l-ˌspō(ə)rt 

-ˌspȯ(ə)rt

: a person who spoils the fun of others