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oval

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of ovalnext
1
: an oval figure or object
2
: a racetrack in the shape of an oval or a rectangle having rounded corners

oval

2 of 2

adjective

: having the shape of an egg
also : broadly elliptical
ovality noun
ovally adverb
ovalness noun

Synonyms of oval

Examples of oval in a Sentence

Noun The racetrack is an oval. Adjective the Oval Office in the White House
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.
Noun
The Derby and Seabiscuit are part of Del Mar’s annual Turf Festival that concludes Sunday with four stakes — led by the $300,000 Grade 1 Matriarch — to end the seaside oval’s 12th fall meeting. Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025 The 2-in-1 gadget functions as a hair dryer and a straightener, complete with an oval barrel and two heat settings, to give you smooth, silky locks every time. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Signature Oval Casserole For cooking tasks that require shallow sauteing, frying, or steaming, this oval casserole dish can handle roasts, whole fish, vegetables, and side dishes. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2025 Hanging below the vast cosmic heart is a knot of dust and gas known informally as the Fishhead Nebula, thanks to its vaguely oval outline and a dark dust filament that gives it the appearance of an aquatic creature. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oval

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin ovalis, from Late Latin, of an egg, from Latin ovum

First Known Use

Noun

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oval was in 1561

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oval. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

oval

1 of 2 noun
: an oval figure or object

oval

2 of 2 adjective
: having the shape or outline of an egg
Etymology

Adjective

from Latin ovalis (adjective) "having the shape of an egg," derived from earlier ovum "egg"

More from Merriam-Webster on oval

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