If you describe someone or something as a spoiler, you mean that they try to spoil the performance of other people or things.
I was a talentless spoiler. If I couldn't be good, why should they?
Neither side can afford to be seen as a spoiler in the negotiations.
2. countable noun
A spoiler is an object which forms part of an aircraft's wings or part of the body of a car.It changes the flow of air around the vehicle, allowing an aircraft to change direction or making a car's forward movement more efficient.
spoiler in British English
(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 (sense 2)
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
7. informal
an article, review, etc that reveals an important detail of the plot of a TV series, book, etc, and reduces its interest to someone who has not yet seen or read it
spoiler in American English
(ˈspɔɪlər)
noun
1.
a person or thing that spoils
2.
a person or group having little chance of winning that engages in a contest and spoils or alters the other participants' chances of success
3.
any projecting device serving to break up airflow around a body; specif., a movable flap on the upper side of an airplane wing for increasing drag and decreasing lift
spoiler in Automotive Engineering
(spɔɪlər)
Word forms: (regular plural) spoilers
noun
(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)
A spoiler is an object which forms part of the body of a vehicle. It changes the flow of airaround the vehicle, making forward movement more efficient.
COLLOCATIONS: front ~rear ~
The overall body shape, front spoiler, and door mirrors have all been modified to maximize the car's performance.
The spoiler, which is attached on the trunk, collects air as it flows over the vehicle, and theair forces the back end into the ground, making it more stable.
A deeper front spoiler can improve the coefficient of drag of your car.
Examples of 'spoiler' in a sentence
spoiler
This is a tricky episode to talk about without giving away spoilers.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The lower spoiler plus front and rear bumpers will also be less aggressive.
The Sun (2009)
It looks more muscular at the front but loses the big rear spoiler that obscured the back view.
The Sun (2011)
You can't discuss what happens in these series for fear of giving away a spoiler.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
When it found one, it would automatically tweet them back with a plot spoiler.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
To discuss the film's last act would involve unnecessary and superfluous plot spoilers.
Christianity Today (2000)
That is, if one can get to the sofa without encountering a plot spoiler.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You don't get any spoiler alerts.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
At least our weather bulletins don't need spoiler alerts.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
No spoiler alerts here please.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The mild makeover has given the face a hint more edge, with chrome mesh grille and lower mesh spoiler with fog lamps.
The Sun (2008)
Not to give away spoilers but it was the Finn who took double gold in Calgary.
The Sun (2016)
That, incidentally, is not a plot spoiler.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Oh - and spoiler alert - they get married.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
And - spoiler alert - no one has resorted to cannibalism.
The Sun (2016)
Critics were allowed to watch last night's two-hour special early on the condition they did not divulge plot spoilers.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
His focus is on the ending, read aloud at the outset - so perhaps the continuity announcer should introduce the show with a spoiler alert.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The preview copy came with a spoiler alert that I mustn't tell you how or why one of the characters dies.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We aren't going to make up enough points to win it but I think we can be big spoilers on the night.