spoiler

[ spoi-ler ]

/ ˈspɔɪ lər /

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See synonyms for spoiler on Thesaurus.com

noun

a person or thing that spoils.

a person who robs or ravages; despoiler; plunderer.

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.

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.

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

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

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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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of spoiler

First recorded in 1525–35; spoil + -er¹

Words nearby spoiler

spoil, spoilage, spoil bank, spoiled, spoiled priest, spoiler, spoiler party, spoilfive, spoil for, spoil ground, spoils

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use spoiler in a sentence

No spoilers, but it’s a rom-com set in New York during the holiday season.
One Good Thing: Netflix’s Dash & Lily is a sweet TV rom-com with a Christmas twist|Emily VanDerWerff|November 20, 2020|Vox
We will have some spoilers ahead, so we urge you to watch the show, if you’re interested.
What Makes Baby Yoda So Lovable? - Facts So Romantic|Morgan K. Hoke & Douglas K. Smit|November 4, 2020|Nautilus
Sure, they missed the holidays — but at least that prevented spoilers.
‘The Mandalorian’s’ second season has begun — and secrecy is still what helps make it tick|David Betancourt|October 30, 2020|Washington Post
In the end—I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say—this particular catastrophe calls for some nontraditional survival tools.
'Save Yourselves!' Is a Surprisingly Fun Disaster Movie|Erin Berger|October 19, 2020|Outside Online

This inspiring list is worth spending some time with, and I don’t want to be the spoiler.
Fortune’s latest list celebrates the startups tackling society’s big problems|Alan Murray|September 28, 2020|Fortune
Spoiler: you may think twice before getting another Grande Chestnut Praline Latte.
What's Really In That Holiday Drink?|The Daily Beast Video|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Spoiler Alert: Do not read if you haven't seen season five episode eight of The Walking Dead, “Coda”
Norman Reedus on Motorcycles, Multitasking, And That Mid-Season Finale: “This Was A Rough One”|Oliver Jones|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The second half of Interstellar is basically one giant SPOILER ALERT, so forgive the nebulousness.
‘Interstellar’ Is Wildly Ambitious, Very Flawed, and Absolutely Worth Seeing|Marlow Stern|November 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A new study claims that “spoiler” is no longer a dirty word.
Wait, We Actually LIKE Spoilers!?|Kevin Fallon|October 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I guess I put [one of his legends; spoiler redacted] to rest.
Life After Deaths: Sean Bean on 'Game of Thrones' Paternity and 'Legends'|Jason Lynch|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A grievous vision is told me: he that is unfaithful dealeth unfaithfully: and he that is a spoiler, spoileth.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
Strangest perhaps of all, if genuine, is the charm that has preserved all these treasures from the spoiler.
The Cradle of Mankind|W.A. Wigram
Fortunately, thus far, the Mondino Tablet has escaped the spoiler.
Old-Time Makers of Medicine|James J. Walsh
Expert electrician, mechanic, sport spoiler and bruiser, eh?
Radio Boys Loyalty|Wayne Whipple
No children have we to lament, no wives to wail our fall; The traitor's and the spoiler's hand have reft our hearths of all.
The Ontario Readers: The High School Reader, 1886|Ministry of Education

British Dictionary definitions for spoiler

spoiler

/ (ˈspɔɪlə) /

noun

plunderer or robber

a person or thing that causes spoilage or corruption

a device fitted to an aircraft wing to increase drag and reduce lift. It is usually extended into the airflow to assist descent and bankingCompare air brake (def. 2)

a similar device fitted to a car

sport a competitor who adopts spoiling tactics, as in boxing

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

spoiler

Origin of spoiler

Words nearby spoiler

Words related to spoiler

How to use spoiler in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for spoiler