tread

²tread

noun

Definition of TREAD

1

: a mark (as a footprint or the imprint of a tire) made by or as if by treading

2

a (1) : the action of treading (2) : an act or instance of treading : step b : manner of stepping c : the sound of treading

3

a : the part of a shoe or boot sole that touches the ground; also : the pattern on the bottom of a sole b (1) : the part of a wheel or tire that makes contact with a road or rail (2) : the pattern of ridges or grooves made or cut in the face of a tire

4

: the distance between the points of contact with the ground of the two front wheels or the two rear wheels of a vehicle

5

a : the upper horizontal part of a step b : the width of such a tread

— tread·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of TREAD

1. The treads of the tires were badly worn.
2. running shoes with good treads

First Known Use of TREAD

13th century

Other Automotive Terms

articulated, block, choke, clutch, diesel, neutral, transmission