spoiler

noun

spoil·​er ˈspȯi-lər How to pronounce spoiler (audio)
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 article contains spoilers for the book and the TV series Apples Never Fall. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2024 This eliminates spoiler candidates, wasted votes for eliminated candidates, winners with relatively small pluralities, and duplicitous tactics like Schiff’s and Porter’s. David Daley, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Read on, but beware mild spoilers for those who didn't read the book first. Susan Young, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Some car manufacturers use it to create aerodynamic elements such as rear wings, front spoilers and scoops. Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024 Don’t worry, there are no plot spoilers for Dune: Part Two ahead. Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 There’s been some mild noise about spoiler contenders here—maybe Barbie will ride the backlash to a win; maybe The Zone of Interest will capitalize on buzzing discussion of a film that’s daringly topical. David Sims, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2024 Apart from some bodywork accents, a unique ducktail spoiler, and the car’s lack of a tailpipe, the EV reimagining of the 911 looks nearly identical to its six-cylinder counterpart. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024 Fragile Gulf states cannot fill the void; Israel cannot, either; and Iran can only play spoiler and troublemaker. Gregg Carlstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spoiler.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoiler was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near spoiler

Cite this Entry

“Spoiler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoiler. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spoiler

noun
spoil·​er ˈspȯi-lər How to pronounce spoiler (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on spoiler

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