What does tilled mean?
Tilled is the past tense and past participle of till, a verb meaning to prepare soil for planting by turning, breaking up, or otherwise cultivating it. It can also function as an adjective: tilled soil is ground that has been made ready for crops, while tilled land is land that has been cultivated. The word evokes the practical work of agriculture and the visible transformation of a field after ploughing or harrowing. In ordinary use, it carries a neutral, descriptive tone, though it can suggest care, preparation, and the productive use of land. British speakers often prefer ploughed, while plowed is common in American English. Tilled is also useful in figurative descriptions of landscapes, gardens, and fields, where it emphasizes the condition of the ground rather than simply the fact that crops are growing.
Past tense and past participle of till: to cultivate or prepare soil for planting by ploughing, harrowing, or breaking it up.
"They tilled the soil in spring and planted a row of vegetables."
Tilled is the past tense and past participle, as in "she tilled the field" and "freshly tilled soil."
Cultivated or prepared for planting, especially describing soil or land.
"The farmer inspected the tilled fields before the rain arrived."
The adjective is especially common before soil and land.
A single word carries the whole progression from untouched ground to a field ready for planting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How tilled is actually used
Tilled is formal but widely understood. In British English, ploughed is a common alternative; in American English, tilled and plowed are both common. The adjective is especially natural before soil or land.
Easily confused with tilled
Tilled refers to soil or land prepared for cultivation, whereas tilted means inclined, turned, or moved at an angle.