Meaning of till in English

1. Pronunciation

   /tɪl/

   US accent

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   till

   Etymology

   Old English tilian ‘strive for, obtain by effort’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch telen‘produce, cultivate’ and German zielen‘aim, strive’, also ultimately to till. The current sense dates from Middle English

   Definitions

   1. work land as by ploughing, harrowing, and manuring, in order to make it ready for cultivation

   Examples

   • « till the soil »

2. Noun

   till

   Etymology

   late Middle English (in the general sense ‘drawer or compartment for valuables’): of unknown origin

   Definitions

   1. unstratified soil deposited by a glacier

   Examples

   • « consists of sand and clay and gravel and boulders mixed together »
3. 2. a treasury for government funds
4. 3. a strongbox for holding cash