noun Uncommon

spoils

spoylz

Spoils (noun) means Goods or benefits taken by force, especially after a victory. Example: “The spoils of the conquest were divided among the generals.”

noun

Goods or benefits taken by force, especially after a victory.

"The spoils of the conquest were divided among the generals."

Waste material removed during excavation, mining, or construction.

"Piles of spoils from the tunnel dig lined the site."

How to use spoils

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPlunder taken by force, or excess material dug up during construction/mining.

Common pairings

spoils of war spoils system

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The _____ of the conquest were divided among the generals.

Frequently asked questions

What does “spoils” mean?

The word “spoils” means goods or benefits taken by force, especially after a victory. In plain terms, plunder taken by force, or excess material dug up during construction/mining.

How do you pronounce “spoils”?

“Spoils” is pronounced spoylz (/spɔɪlz/ in IPA).

How do you use “spoils” in a sentence?

Here is “spoils” used in a sentence: “The spoils of the conquest were divided among the generals.”

What part of speech is “spoils”?

“Spoils” is a noun.

Is “spoils” a common word?

“Spoils” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “spoils” have?

“Spoils” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: goods or benefits taken by force, especially after a victory.