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 article contains spoilers for The Challenge All Stars: Rivals finale. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Without giving away too many spoilers, the storyline involves multiple characters, scenes, and encounters on an island as well as in New York City. —Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 Apr. 2025

No spoilers here for those who haven't watched the entirety of The Bad Batch yet, but the ending satisfactorily closed that story arc while also setting up a future for certain characters. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Be warned: This article includes hints and comments that may contain spoilers for today’s puzzle. —New York Times Games, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

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