HOW TO USE THE DICTIONARY

To look up an entry in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, use the search window above. For best results, after typing in the word, click on the “Search” button instead of using the “enter” key.

Some compound words (like bus rapid transit, dog whistle, or identity theft) don’t appear on the drop-down list when you type them in the search bar. For best results with compound words, place a quotation mark before the compound word in the search window.

guide to the dictionary

spill¹

(spĭl)

v. spilled or spilt (spĭlt), spill·ing, spills

v.tr.

1. To cause or allow (a substance) to run or fall out of a container.

2. To scatter (objects) from containment: spilled the armload of books on the desk.

3. To shed (blood).

4. Nautical

a. To relieve the pressure of wind on (a sail).

b. To cause or allow (wind) to be lost from a sail.

5. To cause to fall: The rider was spilled by his horse.

6. Informal To disclose (something previously unknown); divulge: The witness spilled all the details about the suspect.

v.intr.

1. To run or fall out of a container or containment.

2. To come to the ground suddenly and involuntarily.

3. To pour out or spread beyond limits: Fans spilled onto the playing field.

1. The act of spilling.

2. An amount spilled.

3. A fall, as from a horse.

4. A spillway.

[Middle English spillen, to shed blood, to spill, from Old English spillan, to kill.]

spiller n.

spill²

(spĭl)

1. A piece of wood or rolled paper used to light a fire.

2. A small peg or rod, especially one used as a plug; a spile.

[Middle English spille.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

American Heritage Dictionary Products

HOW TO USE THE DICTIONARY

THE USAGE PANEL

AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY APP

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY BLOG

INTERESTED IN DICTIONARIES?

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

American Heritage Dictionary Products