Tiller: meaning, definitions and examples

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tiller

 

[ ˈtɪlər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

farm equipment

A tiller is a machine used in agriculture for breaking up soil and preparing it for planting.

Synonyms

cultivator, digger, plow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tiller

Used to refer to someone or a tool that works the soil, often on a smaller scale or in a gardening context. It is also the name of a tool that prepares the soil for planting by breaking it and mixing it.

  • The gardener used a tiller to prepare the soil for the new vegetable garden.
  • As a patient tiller of his land, he took great care of every crop.
cultivator

Generally refers to a tool or a machine that loosens the soil, removes weeds, and promotes the growth of crops. It is also used to describe a person who cultivates or grows plants.

  • She used a cultivator to aerate the soil around her flowers.
  • The farmer bought a new cultivator to help keep the fields free of weeds.
plow

Typically used to describe a tool or machinery used for cutting, lifting, and turning over the soil in preparation for sowing seeds. This term is more commonly used in the context of large-scale farming.

  • The farmer used the plow to prepare the field for planting wheat.
  • They watched the old tractor pull the plow across the field.
digger

This term is often used to describe a person or a tool that is used for digging or making holes in the ground. It can be used in a broader context beyond agriculture, such as construction.

  • The construction crew used a digger to break ground for the new building.
  • She was known as a skilled digger, always finding interesting artifacts in the soil.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer used a tiller to cultivate the land before sowing the seeds.
  • She rented a tiller to help with her gardening project.
Context #2 | Noun

ship

A tiller is a lever used for steering a boat or ship.

Synonyms

helm, rudder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tiller

Repeat entry; see the explanation for 'tiller' above.

helm

Used in a broader maritime context, the helm refers to the steering apparatus of a ship or boat, which can include both the wheel and the tiller. It is often used metaphorically to describe leadership or control.

  • The captain took the helm as they set course for the next port.
  • At the helm of the company, she guided it through financial difficulties.
rudder

Refers to the flat piece of wood, metal, or fiberglass that is mounted vertically at the stern of a boat or ship. It is used to steer the vessel when turned by the helm or tiller. This term is purely mechanical and doesn't imply control or leadership.

  • The rudder broke, making it difficult to control the direction of the yacht.
  • By moving the rudder slightly, he could change the boat's course with precision.

Examples of usage

  • The captain adjusted the tiller to change the direction of the ship.
  • The sailor held the tiller steady in rough seas.

Translations

Translations of the word "tiller" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arado

🇮🇳 हल

🇩🇪 Pflug

🇮🇩 bajak

🇺🇦 плуг

🇵🇱 pług

🇯🇵 すき

🇫🇷 charrue

🇪🇸 arado

🇹🇷 pulluk

🇰🇷 쟁기

🇸🇦 محراث

🇨🇿 pluh

🇸🇰 pluh

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 plug

🇮🇸 plógur

🇰🇿 соқа

🇬🇪 გუთანი

🇦🇿 kotan

🇲🇽 arado

Etymology

The word 'tiller' has Old English origins, derived from the word 'teolian' meaning to aim or direct. Over time, the term evolved to refer to steering mechanisms in both agriculture and maritime contexts. The use of the word 'tiller' has been documented in English since the 14th century.

See also: till, tillage, tilled, tillers, tilling, until.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,746, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.