English UsageComparison guide
Distill vs. Distil
“Distill” and “distil” are regional variants of the same verb. Cambridge labels “distil” mainly UK and “distill” the usual US spelling.
Use “distill” in US English and “distil” in UK-oriented English, unless your house style specifies otherwise.
Key details
Confusion Familyregional spelling
Rule Familyregional-orthography
TermsDistill, Distil
Variant ScopeCambridge labels “distil” mainly UK and “distill” the usual US spelling.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Distill” and “distil” are regional spellings of the same verb.
Usage Boundary
Use “distill” in US English and “distil” in UK-oriented English unless a required house style differs.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Distil — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct evidence identifying distil as mainly UK and distill as the usual US spelling.