spoiler

American  

[spoi-ler] / ˈspɔɪ lər /

noun

1. a person or thing that spoils.

2. a person who robs or ravages; despoiler; plunderer.

3. Aeronautics. a device used to break up the airflow around an aerodynamic surface, as an aircraft wing, in order to slow the movement through the air or to decrease the lift on the surface and, as a result, provide bank or descent control.

4. Automotive. a similar device for changing the airflow past a moving vehicle, often having the form of a transverse fin or blade mounted at the front or rear to reduce lift and increase traction at high speeds.

5. Sports. a team out of final contention that defeats a potential or favored contender and thereby thwarts its chances of winning a championship.

6. any competitor, entrant, or candidate who has no chance of ultimate victory but does well enough to spoil the chances of another.

7. information about a plot or event in a movie, book, or show that may spoil the suspense or surprise.

   Spoilers were leaked before the movie was released. Spoiler alert! Do not read further if you haven't already seen the season finale.

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spoiler British  

/ ˈspɔɪlə /

noun

1. plunderer or robber

2. a person or thing that causes spoilage or corruption

3. a device fitted to an aircraft wing to increase drag and reduce lift. It is usually extended into the airflow to assist descent and banking Compare air brake

4. a similar device fitted to a car

5. sport a competitor who adopts spoiling tactics, as in boxing

6. a magazine, newspaper, etc produced specifically to coincide with the production of a rival magazine, newspaper, etc in order to divert public interest and reduce its sales

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Etymology

Origin of spoiler

First recorded in 1525–35; spoil + -er ¹

Example Sentences

And in a world warmed by fossil fuel pollution, Atlantic sea surface temperatures could have the potential to play spoiler to El Nino's impact.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

But then the Braves made their unexpected playoff run and — spoiler alert — won the division title for the first time in league history.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

Warning: This article contains spoiler alerts of series six of Race Across the World.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

“Pakistan is not just a facilitator but must also ensure physical security to ensure no spoiler can jeopardize the talks.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

While we welcomed anyone brought into the struggle by the PAC, the role of the organization was almost always that of a spoiler.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• criminal
• marauder