What does spoiler mean?
A spoiler is, most commonly, a person, device, or piece of information that reveals important details about a story before the intended audience has encountered them. People may announce that a discussion includes a "spoiler alert" when they are about to disclose a crucial plot development, although the word can also refer to the revealing information itself. In technology and transport, a spoiler is a panel or surface that changes airflow around a car, aircraft, or boat, often helping to reduce lift or improve handling. The verb "spoiler" means to spoil or ruin something, but it is less standard than using the base verb "spoil". Overall, the word is especially useful for describing the act of giving away suspense prematurely, while its technical sense shows how the same idea of disruption or interference extends into other fields.
A spoiler is a person, device, or piece of information that reveals important story details prematurely; it may also refer to a surface that alters airflow on a vehicle, aircraft, or boat.
"The post was removed because it included a huge spoiler for the finale."
To spoil or ruin something, especially by revealing information prematurely.
"Please don't spoiler the ending for everyone else."
The usual plural is "spoilers," as in a collection of plot revelations or multiple aerodynamic devices.
"The thread contains spoilers for several popular series."
A spoiler can give away the ending before the audience has even found its seats.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spoiler come from?
The word comes from "spoil," meaning to plunder, damage, or ruin. "Spoil" developed through Old French from Latin roots associated with taking booty or stripping, and "spoiler" was formed within that English word family. Related forms include "spoliation," "spoliate," and "spolium," a Latin term for booty or plunder.
How spoiler is actually used
The entertainment sense is informal and often appears in warnings such as "spoiler alert" or "spoiler warning". As a verb, "spoiler" is less common and more informal than "spoil". In engineering, "spoiler" is a technical term for a movable or fixed surface that changes airflow; its technical meaning varies somewhat between vehicles, aircraft, and boats.