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

Ashley, 29, and Bailey, 36, also appeared in both parts of season 3, during which — spoiler — their characters decided to travel from the Bridgertons' London residence to Kate's hometown in India to welcome their baby. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025

The following contains spoilers for Episode 14 of Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 3. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 15 Feb. 2025

Be warned: This article includes hints and comments that may contain spoilers for today’s puzzle. —New York Times Games, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025

By Megan McCluskey February 14, 2025 3:01 AM EST Warning: This post contains spoilers for Episode 5 of Severance Season 2. —Megan McCluskey, TIME, 14 Feb. 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