treadmill

noun

tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil 

1

a

: a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place for exercise or physiological testing

b

: a mill worked by an animal treading an endless belt

c

: a mill worked by persons treading on steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis and used formerly in prison punishment

2

: a wearisome or monotonous routine resembling continued activity on a treadmill

the office treadmill

Synonyms

• drill
• grind
• groove
• lockstep
• pattern
• rote
• routine
• rut

Examples of treadmill in a Sentence

the treadmill of exhausting family schedules

the treadmill of the morning commute to work

Recent Examples on the Web

Whenever Corey fell off, Gregor would put him back on the treadmill and power it up further. —Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024

Unlike with a regular treadmill, there are no handrails; clients sometimes ask him if that’s concerning. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 29 May 2024

Some machines, like treadmills and ellipticals, require more room, while others, like compact rowing machines or resistance bands, take up less space. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 23 May 2024

From jogs around my neighborhood and incline walks on the treadmill to long days on my feet running errands, the Hoka Clifton 9 has yet to let me down. —Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Kids Definition

treadmill

noun

tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil 

1

a

: a device moved by persons treading on steps set around the rim of a wide wheel or by animals walking on an endless belt

b

: a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place for exercise or medical testing

2

: a tiring or monotonous routine

Medical Definition

treadmill

noun

tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil 

: a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place that is used for exercise and in tests of physiological functions see stress test