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
Choose the right form
| Need | Form | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| a form that works broadly across major varieties | spilled | Use the broad default. |
| UK English past tense or past participle | spilt | This is also standard in UK English. |
| house style requires consistent regional spelling or inflection | match the chosen style | Keep repeated wording consistent rather than switching without reason. |
Quick tests
Regional-form test
Do you specifically want the UK alternative?
If yes: “Spilt” is standard in UK English.
If no: Use “spilled,” which is broadly standard.
Caveat: This is a regional variant choice, not a difference in core meaning.
Examples
She spilled the water beside the sink.
“Spilled” is standard across major varieties.
The milk was spilt on the floor.
“Spilt” is a standard UK alternative for the past participle.
They had spilled the paint before the room was covered.
“Spilled” works as the past participle without requiring a regional style.
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