spilt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more common in informal speech and writing.
Quick answer
What does “spilt” mean?
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'spill', meaning to accidentally cause a liquid or granular substance to flow over the edge of its container.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'spill', meaning to accidentally cause a liquid or granular substance to flow over the edge of its container.
Can describe the result of something being spilt (e.g., 'spilt milk'). Figuratively used to indicate that something (like information, emotions, or a secret) has been released or revealed unintentionally. Often associated with a sense of waste, mess, or irrevocable action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, both 'spilt' and 'spilled' are correct, with 'spilt' being a common alternative. In American English, 'spilled' is the strongly preferred form; 'spilt' is rare and may be considered a spelling error or an archaism.
Connotations
In BrE, 'spilt' can sometimes carry a slightly more literary or traditional nuance compared to 'spilled'. In AmE, 'spilt' is so uncommon it might be perceived as a mistake or an affectation.
Frequency
In modern British corpora, 'spilled' is now more frequent than 'spilt', though both are used. In American corpora, 'spilled' is near-universal.
Grammar
How to Use “spilt” in a Sentence
Someone spilt something.Something was spilt (by someone).Something spilt (intransitive).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spilt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spilt his tea all over the report.
- The details were spilt to the press prematurely.
American English
- He spilled his coffee. (AmE prefers 'spilled', but 'spilt' is understood.)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard. 'Spilt' is not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not standard. 'Spilt' is not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- She mopped up the spilt milk with a cloth.
- The spilt ink had ruined the document.
American English
- The spilled juice left a sticky spot. (AmE prefers 'spilled'.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of logistics or risk ('The chemical was spilt during transport').
Academic
Used in scientific reports describing experimental accidents or environmental incidents.
Everyday
Very common for describing domestic or minor accidents involving liquids.
Technical
Used in safety manuals, hazardous material (HAZMAT) reports, and industrial incident documentation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spilt”
- Using 'spilt' as the base form (incorrect: 'I will spilt the water'; correct: 'I will spill the water').
- In American English, using 'spilt' where 'spilled' is expected.
- Confusing spelling with 'split'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'spilt' is a correct past tense and past participle form of 'spill', particularly in British English. In American English, 'spilled' is far more common.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Spilt' and 'spilled' are variant spellings for the same verb forms. Usage is primarily a matter of regional preference: 'spilled' is standard in AmE and common in BrE; 'spilt' is a traditional alternative in BrE.
It is used attributively before a noun to describe the substance that was spilled. For example: 'spilt milk', 'spilt coffee', 'spilt secrets'. It functions identically to the past participle used adjectivally.
While 'spilled the beans' is the more common spelling for the idiom (meaning to reveal a secret), 'spilt the beans' is also found, especially in British texts. It is understood but may look unusual to American readers.
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'spill', meaning to accidentally cause a liquid or granular substance to flow over the edge of its container.
Spilt is usually neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more common in informal speech and writing. in register.
Spilt: in British English it is pronounced /spɪlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /spɪlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't cry over spilt milk.”
- “Spilt the beans (though 'spilled' is more common in this idiom).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'spilt' ending in 'T' like 'tipped' – you Tipped it over and spilt it.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPILLING IS CARELESS RELEASE / SPILLING IS IRREVERSIBLE LOSS (e.g., spilt milk, spilt secrets).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence is most likely to be written by an American English speaker?