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

That way if my husband inadvertently saw my conversation history in my sidebar, there would be no inadvertent spoiler.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

They also have an insane amount of studio space and I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that in Episode 9 and 10 there’s some massive sets.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

This shouldn’t be a spoiler 15 years after “Game of Thrones” first aired, but the Targaryen dragons have died out by this point in the timeline.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

Another potential spoiler: If the Federal Reserve keeps interest rates higher than expected, it could take momentum out of riskier assets including Chinese stocks, she adds.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

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