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

But just because the third-party vote exceeded the margin of victory, does not mean third-party candidates were spoilers. —Kristi Tanner, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024

The following story contains spoilers from Season 2 of The Diplomat — proceed at your own peril. —Michael Ausiello, TVLine, 2 Nov. 2024

At the end of 'Time Cut,' viewers finally learn who is behind the Sweetly Slasher mask Comments Warning: Time Cut spoilers ahead! —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Inclusive diplomacy will ensure Iran’s cooperation, which is critical to ensure that Tehran doesn’t play a spoiler role in any transitional phase that would follow a cease-fire agreement. —Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing spoiler

• spoiler alert

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