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

In the conversation, which contains spoilers, the actors reflected on their nuanced characters and the debate over nature versus nurture. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Hartnett is believable in the hubby role, although — without spoilers — this character is becoming a bit of a cliché in this genre. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Find last week’s review here or, for a spoiler-free analysis, read our full season review. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2026

My gaze shifts to the X-shape steering wheel, which echoes the design motif of the rear fascia and spoiler. — Sean Evans, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 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