noun
Uncommon
spoiler
SPOY-luh
Spoiler (noun) means a piece of information that reveals a plot twist or ending before someone experiences it themselves. Example: “Warning: this review contains spoilers for the finale.”
noun
1
A piece of information that reveals a plot twist or ending before someone experiences it themselves.
"Warning: this review contains spoilers for the finale."
2
A wing-like device on a vehicle designed to reduce lift or improve aerodynamics.
"The race car's rear spoiler helps keep it stable at high speed."
3
A competitor who cannot win but affects the outcome by taking votes or points from someone who could.
"The third-party candidate acted as a spoiler in the tight race."
How to use spoiler
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that reveals a surprise ending, an aerodynamic car part, or a candidate/competitor who changes an outcome without winning.
Common mistake
Always mark spoiler content with a warning — readers expect a heads-up before plot details.
Common pairings
spoiler warning
spoiler alert
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Word forms
- Plural
- spoilers
- Third person singular
- spoilers
- Past tense
- spoilered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Warning: this review contains _____ for the finale.
Etymology
From spoil plus the agent suffix -er — originally "one who plunders," later extended to "one who ruins" something, including a story's surprise.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for spoiler
See all rhymes for spoiler →Frequently asked questions
What does “spoiler” mean?
The word “spoiler” means a piece of information that reveals a plot twist or ending before someone experiences it themselves. In plain terms, something that reveals a surprise ending, an aerodynamic car part, or a candidate/competitor who changes an outcome without winning.
How do you pronounce “spoiler”?
“Spoiler” is pronounced SPOY-luh (/ˈspɔɪ.lɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spoiler” in a sentence?
Here is “spoiler” used in a sentence: “Warning: this review contains spoilers for the finale.”
What part of speech is “spoiler”?
“Spoiler” is a noun.
Is “spoiler” a common word?
“Spoiler” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “spoiler” have?
“Spoiler” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of information that reveals a plot twist or ending before someone experiences it themselves.
What is the difference between a spoiler and a plot twist?
A plot twist is an unexpected turn in a story itself, while a spoiler is information that reveals such a twist, ending, or other key plot detail to someone before they experience it firsthand. Sharing a spoiler ruins the surprise that the plot twist was designed to create.
Why do car spoilers help with performance?
A spoiler is a wing-like device fitted to a vehicle to reduce lift and improve aerodynamics at high speed, helping keep the car stable and better connected to the road. This is a separate meaning from the plot-related sense of the word.
What does spoiler mean in the context of an election?
In elections, a spoiler is a competitor who cannot realistically win but still affects the outcome by drawing votes away from a candidate who could have won. This sense is common in political commentary about third-party or independent candidates.
