spoiler
Americannoun
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a person or thing that spoils.
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a person who robs or ravages; despoiler; plunderer.
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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.
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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.
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Sports. a team out of final contention that defeats a potential or favored contender and thereby thwarts its chances of winning a championship.
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any competitor, entrant, or candidate who has no chance of ultimate victory but does well enough to spoil the chances of another.
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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.
noun
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plunderer or robber
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a person or thing that causes spoilage or corruption
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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
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a similar device fitted to a car
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sport a competitor who adopts spoiling tactics, as in boxing
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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
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of spoiler
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Determined to preserve the state’s tradition of supporting independents, while also solving the spoiler problem such candidates could create, Mainers approved the reform through a statewide initiative.
From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2026
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
There’s very little to say about the plot of “Apex” that wouldn’t be a spoiler.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026
“Okay. Did you accidentally read a spoiler about Soul Scythe? Bruh, it’s fine. One spoiler won’t ruin the whole book.”
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
This article contains spoilers for “House of the Dragon,” season 3, episode 1.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
A diplomatic source from regional player the UAE said there were "two spoilers" to the deal -- namely that Israel "didn't like it" and that there was also hardline opposition within Iran.
From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026
But how do you find out what's happened overnight at the World Cup without any spoilers?
From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2026
On Tuesday, Pratt, a Republican running with the “Community Advocate” label below his name, faced off against Democratic establishment incumbent Karen Bass, progressive Councilwoman Nithya Raman, and a host of spoilers.
From Slate ● Jun. 3, 2026
“I’m not giving you any more spoilers, but that’s not what’s bothering me.”
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
