spill1
v.
(past and past part. spilt or spilled)
- (with reference to liquid) flow or cause to flow over the edge of its container.
- discharge or be discharged from a container or place.
- informal reveal (confidential information).
- cause to fall off a horse or bicycle.
- Sailing let (wind) out of a sail, typically by slackening the sheets.
n.
- a quantity of liquid that has spilled or been spilt.
▸an instance of a liquid spilling or being spilt.
- a fall from a horse or bicycle.
- Austral. a vacating of all or several posts in a cabinet or parliamentary party to allow reorganization.
Phrase
- spill the beans
informal reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly. - spill blood
kill or wound people. - spill one's guts
informal reveal much information in an uninhibited way.
Derivative
Etymology
OE spillan ‘kill, waste, shed blood’.
spill2
n.
a thin strip of wood or paper used for lighting a fire, pipe, etc.
Etymology
ME: obscurely rel. to spile.