Word
spoils
US/ˈspɔɪɫz/
UK/spˈɔɪlz/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. valuable things or money that people take after winning a fight or a competition. It often refers to the rewards of success or power.
n. goods, property, or advantages taken by a victor in a conflict or competition. Plural in form; frequently used in political contexts to describe the benefits of holding office.
Examples
“The winners shared the spoils of the tournament.”
“After the election, the winning party divided the spoils of victory by appointing loyal supporters to key government positions.”
“Historians often debate how the spoils of the Napoleonic Wars were distributed among the coalition powers during the Congress of Vienna.”
Examples
simple
“The winners shared the spoils of the tournament.”
contextual
“After the election, the winning party divided the spoils of victory by appointing loyal supporters to key government positions.”
complex
“Historians often debate how the spoils of the Napoleonic Wars were distributed among the coalition powers during the Congress of Vienna.”
Usage
Almost always used in the plural form ('spoils') when referring to rewards or loot. The singular 'spoil' is rare in this sense.
Real-World Examples
“Lekjaa also responded, rejecting the idea of dividing government posts before the election, saying that “dividing up the spoils without having hunted them” was not his concern.” “Photograph: Nintendo When you fight a boss, other players are given the option to teleport directly to your side to help and share the spoils.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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