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 of treadmill

• routine
• grind

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

Sharpe said he’s climbed on the treadmill after games for the past four or five years. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026

As of Sunday, Judge’s only activity of late has been plyometric exercises and running on the treadmill. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

The fitness center is top-notch, with heart rate monitoring and LCD screen treadmills, strength-training machines, free weights, and a Kinesis® exercise wall. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

New York — Peloton is launching its cheapest treadmill yet, in the hope that running’s surging popularity will spur sales. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Rhymes for treadmill

• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill
• dunghill
• foothill
• fulfil
• fulfill
• goodwill

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