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

Adjective

• elliptic
• 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

But there is more excitement than usual heading into Friday’s opening of the 86th summer season of horse racing at the historic seaside oval. —Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025

Aside from some dirt oval races, van Gisbergen had no pavement oval experience until Aug. 2023. —Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Adjective

The Kohler Sunstruck oval tub is standard in the primary bathroom if this layout is chosen. —Benjamin C Tankersley, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023

This simple opener works well on circular cans but may not be effective on dented, square, or oval cans. —Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2023

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"