rototiller

noun

ro·​to·​till·​er ˈrō-tə-ˌti-lər How to pronounce rototiller (audio)
: a cultivating implement with engine-powered rotating blades used to lift and turn over soil

Examples of rototiller in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a garden, rototillers are commonly used to turn the soil and to incorporate any amendments to a depth of about 4 to 6 inches. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2025 The plot eventually expanded to half an acre, aided by the addition of two rototillers, named Rosie and Victoria, and a field cultivator. Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 It is not recommended to use a rototiller, because the method spreads the growing parts around as well as destroys the soil structure. Linda Berry Stewart, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2023 Cultivating Depth: Most rototillers come with an adjustable cultivating depth. Douglas Helm, Popular Mechanics, 14 Apr. 2023 In spring the compost is used in her gardens, and the leaves are ground up with a small rototiller. Joanne Kempinger Demski, Journal Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2022 Or, use a rototiller. oregonlive, 15 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

from Rototiller, a trademark

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rototiller was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Rototiller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rototiller. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

rototiller

noun
ro·​to·​till·​er ˈrōt-ə-ˌtil-ər How to pronounce rototiller (audio)
: a landscaping machine with rotating blades that lift and turn over soil
Etymology

from Rototiller, a trademark

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