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

Mimic the actress’ look in its entirety by throwing on a pair of oval sunglasses and fluffy leopard-print purse. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

Other nests were evenly spaced in a straight line, arranged in an oval shape with even spacing around the perimeter or following a distinct U-shape. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025

Adjective

Hanging below the vast cosmic heart is a knot of dust and gas known informally as the Fishhead Nebula, thanks to its vaguely oval outline and a dark dust filament that gives it the appearance of an aquatic creature. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2025

The main use case for an oval Dutch oven is for large cuts of meat like a rack of lamb. —Emily Johnson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025

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"