spieled; spieling; spiels
: to utter, express, or describe volubly or extravagantly
plural -s
1
chiefly Australia
a
: a person who earns a living by dishonest gambling : cardsharper
2
a
: a person who attracts customers (as to a sideshow) by a voluble line of extravagant claims and skillful persuasion : barker
c
d
: a radio announcer (as for a commercial)
Did you know?
Here’s our spiel on spiel: it’s well-known as a noun, and you may also be aware that spiel can be used as a verb meaning “to talk extravagantly,” but did you know that the verb can also mean “to play music”? That, in fact, is the word’s original meaning, and one it shares with its German root, spielen. Spiel is also found in glockenspiel, the name of a musical instrument similar to the xylophone.
Cite this Entry
“Spiel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
