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 of oval

Adjective

• 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

The latest version starts with long, oval nails topped with a neutral and jelly-like shade of pink. —Maria Goldbach, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026

The 5-foot oval planter box can hold 68 pounds of soil, creating a place to easily plant florals, vegetables, and herbs in one spot. —Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Oval Glass Doors That front door with an oval glass inset? —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026

Not all that long ago, relatively speaking, Zilisch was a kid with a brilliant road course racing background who never dreamed of ending up in the NASCAR world; his first-ever oval race was only in June 2022. —Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026

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"