ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spoils

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈspɔɪɫz// UK //spˈɔɪlz// spoils

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.


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.

Synonyms
Usage

Almost always used in the plural form ('spoils') when referring to rewards or loot. The singular 'spoil' is rare in this sense.

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