oval

1 of 2

noun

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 noun
ovally adverb
ovalness noun

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
The unique course has four of its holes inside the oval of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Megan Dubois, USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024 Cook Vegetables Meanwhile, grease a 2-qt. round or oval baking dish. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2024
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 See all Example Sentences for oval 

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of oval was in 1561

Dictionary Entries Near oval

Cite this Entry

“Oval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oval. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

oval

1 of 2 noun
: 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"

More from Merriam-Webster on oval

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