tilth

American  

[tilth] / tɪlθ /

noun

1. the act or operation of tilling land; tillage.

2. the state of being tilled or under cultivation.

3. the physical condition of soil in relation to plant growth.

4. land that is tilled or cultivated.

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tilth British  

/ tɪlθ /

noun

1. the act or process of tilling land

2. the condition of soil or land that has been tilled, esp with respect to suitability for promoting plant growth

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Etymology

Origin of tilth

before 1000; Middle English, Old English. See till ², -th ¹

Explanation

Tilth is land that has been plowed, sowed, and yes, tilled, and is ready to be used for raising crops. An active farm should have plenty of tilth. Tilth is also called tilled land. The words tilth and till come from an Old English word that means basically “to labor, to work.” Tilth is what happens when you work the soil. This unusual-looking word has had several meanings related to work and cultivation, but its main meaning is a type of land that's been used by farmers for their crops.

Example Sentences

Tilth Alliance: Organic and sustainable practices for farms, gardens, and kitchens;

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2024

“We are faced with immense challenges today — climate change, food insecurity and degradation of our natural resources threaten our communities,” says Tilth Alliance Executive Director Melissa Spear.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2024

Tilth Alliance works with farmers, gardeners and eaters to build a healthy and equitable food future.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2024

With a focus on organic farming and sustenance, the group of activists would eventually become Seattle Tilth and later Tilth Alliance, which turns 50 this year.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2024

Tilth, tilth, n. cultivation: cultivated land: the depth of soil turned up in cultivation.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various