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noun

spiel

shpeel

Spiel (noun) means a long, often rehearsed talk meant to persuade someone, especially in sales. Example: “The salesman launched into his usual spiel about extended warranties.”

noun
1
A long, often rehearsed talk meant to persuade someone, especially in sales.
"The salesman launched into his usual spiel about extended warranties."
"I've heard that recruitment spiel a dozen times before."
verb
1
To talk at length, often to persuade or promote something.
"He spieled on for ten minutes about the benefits of the new juicer."

How to use spiel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rehearsed, persuasive speech, especially a sales pitch.

Common mistake

Usually used with a slightly negative or skeptical tone — calling something a "spiel" suggests you're not fully buying it.

Common pairings
sales spiel give someone the spiel the same old spiel

Word forms

spieled past tense, spiels plural, spiels plural, spiels singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The salesman launched into his usual _____ about extended warranties.

Etymology

Borrowed from German Spiel, meaning "game" or "performance."

Origin: German

play patter line of gab

Related words

Rhymes for spiel

See all rhymes for spiel →

Frequently asked questions

What does “spiel” mean?

The word “spiel” means a long, often rehearsed talk meant to persuade someone, especially in sales. In plain terms, a rehearsed, persuasive speech, especially a sales pitch.

How do you pronounce “spiel”?

“Spiel” is pronounced shpeel (/ʃpiːl/ in IPA).

How do you use “spiel” in a sentence?

Here is “spiel” used in a sentence: “The salesman launched into his usual spiel about extended warranties.”

What part of speech is “spiel”?

Depending on how it is used, “spiel” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “spiel” come from?

The word “spiel” comes from German. Borrowed from German Spiel, meaning "game" or "performance.".

How many meanings does “spiel” have?

“Spiel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, often rehearsed talk meant to persuade someone, especially in sales.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial