oval

1 of 2

noun

ˈō-vəl 

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

ō-ˈva-lə-tē 

noun

ovally

ˈō-və-lē 

adverb

ovalness noun

Synonyms of oval

Adjective

• elliptical

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

Noun

Hop-hornbeam features an upright, oval habit and dark green leaves that turn yellow in fall. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2026

It is covered with green oval leaves arranged in opposite rows along its length. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026

Adjective

He’s propped high on a rock at one end of a very long, oval lily pond. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

Chevy drivers have not won an oval race since May, as its teams have struggled to adapt to a new style body introduced by the manufacturer this season. — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing oval

• oval window

Kids Definition

oval

1 of 2 noun

ˈō-vəl 

: 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"