# spoils

/ˈspɔɪɫz/ (US) · /spˈɔɪlz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spoils
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

valuable things or money that people take after winning a fight or a competition. It often refers to the rewards of success or power.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.