English UsageComparison guide
Spilled vs. Spilt
“Spilled” is standard in both major varieties, while Cambridge marks “spilt” as a UK alternative for the past tense and past participle of “spill”.
Use “spilled” broadly; “spilt” is also standard in UK English.
Key details
Confusion Familyregional-variant
Rule Familyverb-form
TermsSpilled, Spilt
Variant ScopeCambridge lists “spilled” and marks “spilt” as a UK alternative for the same past-tense and participle functions.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “spilled” broadly; “spilt” is also standard in UK English.
Style Boundary
Choose the form that fits the documented regional, grammatical, or stylistic context, and keep house style consistent when more than one standard form is available.
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.
- Spill — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · “Spilled” generally and UK also “spilt” for past tense and participle