# tillow

Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tillow
Updated: 2026-09-18

## Definition

a twig, shoot, or branch growing out from the base or root of a plant. It's an old, regional word — today people usually just say 'shoot' or 'sprout'.

For teachers: A regional and dialectal noun for a twig, shoot, or sucker springing from a plant's root or stump; an alternative form of tiller.

## Examples

- A new tillow was growing from the old stump.
- By spring, several tillows had pushed up from the base of the hedge.
- The old gardener pointed out each tillow rising from the coppiced stool, explaining how the tree would regrow from its own roots.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.