spoils system

noun

: a practice of regarding public offices and their emoluments as plunder for members of the victorious party

Examples of spoils system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That law was meant to replace the political spoils system with a workforce of career professionals. — Barbara McQuade, Twin Cities, 19 Feb. 2026 Finally there’s Arthur, an upwards-failing buffoon caught—like so many of his countrymen, then and now—between Conkling’s spoils system and Garfield’s idealism. — Judy Berman, Time, 28 Nov. 2025 Over a century ago, the federal government pivoted from a spoils system, where political favoritism ruled the day, into a system that rewards merit, knowledge and experience. — Carrie Johnson, NPR, 17 Sep. 2025 The federal workforce was initially built in the 19th century more on party loyalty than merit, which eventually triggered a corrupt and ineffective spoils system. — Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spoils system

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoils system was in 1838

Rhymes for spoils system

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Browse Nearby Words

spoilsport
spoils system
spoilt for choice
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spoils system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoils%20system. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spoils system

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spoils system

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