spoils; spoiled or chiefly British spoilt
ˈspojəlt 
; spoiling
; spoiling
1
: to have a bad effect on (something) : to damage or ruin (something)
The fight spoiled the party.
The camping trip was spoiled by bad weather.
Don't let one mistake spoil your day.
He always spoils everything.
Don't spoil your appetite by snacking too much.
Exposure to air will spoil the wine.
I spoiled the sauce by adding too much garlic.
2
: to decay or lose freshness especially because of being kept too long
The milk/fruit was beginning to spoil.
3
a
disapproving
: to give (someone, such as a child) everything that he or she wants : to have a bad effect on (someone) by allowing too many things or by not correcting bad behavior
Her grandparents spoil her.
—often used as (be) spoiledHe was spoiled by his parents.
a spoiled brat
That child is spoiled rotten. [=very spoiled]
—sometimes used figurativelyWe've been spoiled lately by/with this beautiful weather. [=we've had so much beautiful weather that we expect the weather always to be beautiful]
(Brit) Customers are spoiled/spoilt for choice [=customers have a lot of choices] when buying a new car.
b
: to treat (someone) very well
The hotel spoils their guests with fine dining and excellent service.
She always spoils me on my birthday.
You should spoil yourself with a day at the spa.
plural spoils
formal
1
: something stolen or taken by thieves, soldiers, etc.
—usually plural —usually used with the
The pirates divided the spoils among themselves.
the spoils of war
2
: something valuable or desirable that someone gets by working or trying hard
—usually plural —usually used with the
We shared the spoils of victory.
the spoils of success
Cite this Entry
“Spoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/spoil. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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