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
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| US English copy | distill | Use the double-l spelling. |
| UK-oriented English copy | distil | Use the single-l base spelling. |
| an official name, quotation, or fixed house style supplies a spelling | preserve the required form | Do not normalize protected wording merely for regional consistency. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the copy primarily written in US English?
If yes: Use “distill” unless the controlling house style requires otherwise.
If no: For UK-oriented English, use “distil”; preserve official or quoted spellings when required.
Caveat: Both base spellings are standard regional variants. Treat the choice as a regional or house-style preference rather than a correctness difference.
Examples
The editor will distill the report into three key points.
“Distill” is the US spelling of the verb.
The editor will distil the report into three key points.
“Distil” is the UK spelling of the verb.
Please distill the findings before publication.
The sentence consistently follows 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.