treadmill

noun

tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
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

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 The treadmill was pre-set at a high rate of speed and a high incline. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 11 Apr. 2024 In 2021, following a recall of 125,000 treadmills over safety concerns, Peloton CFO Jill Woodworth said the revenue impact of the recall would be $165 million. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for treadmill 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'treadmill.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Time Traveler
The first known use of treadmill was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near treadmill

Cite this Entry

“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

treadmill

noun
tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
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 How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on treadmill

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!