1. A lengthy and extravagant speech or argument which is usually intended to persuade someone to do something: The salesman went into long spiels to various customers about the merits of the new design of clothing that his store was currently selling.
2. A verbal presentation that someone has often said before and which is usually done to convince people to make the best choice, agree to something, etc.: Janet listened to the politician's spiel about who would be the best mayor of her city and so she was thinking about voting for him.

Henry gave Margaret a long spiel about the benefits of going to the fitness studio for exercises to improve her physical condition.

3. Etymology: from German spielen "to play" related to Old English spilian, "to revel". © ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index