oval

1 of 3

noun (1)

Synonyms of ovalnext
1
: an oval figure or object
2
: a racetrack in the shape of an oval or a rectangle having rounded corners

oval

2 of 3

adjective

: having the shape of an egg
also : broadly elliptical
ovality noun
ovally adverb
ovalness noun

ovality

3 of 3

noun (2)

oval·​i·​ty ōˈvalətē How to pronounce ovality (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being oval in shape : degree of departure from true circularity
ovality of a worn gun bore

Synonyms of oval

Examples of oval in a Sentence

Noun (1) The racetrack is an oval. Adjective the Oval Office in the White House
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Square nails are often associated with longer lengths because a lot of folks are under the impression that the more blunt shape can make short nails look wider and stubbier, favoring rounded, oval, or squoval shapes for a less-long manicure. Marci Robin, Allure, 10 June 2026 No outfit is complete without the right accessories, and Bieber pulled everything together with oval sunglasses with black frames just like this Quince pair. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Adjective
But his run to fourth in qualifying at Phoenix, the first oval race of the season, turned heads. Luke Smith, New York Times, 22 May 2026 The ring features a 12-carat, oval Ceylon sapphire at its center surrounded by a halo of 14 diamonds set in 18k white gold—by anyone’s eye, a beautiful piece. Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oval

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin ovalis, from Late Latin, of an egg, from Latin ovum

Noun (2)

International Scientific Vocabulary oval entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

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Cite this Entry

“Oval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oval. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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"

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