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 cameras, which typically look like a small black oval attached to something that resembles a solar panel, can track license plate numbers and the vehicle’s make, model, color and body type. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

Palou tested the new car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in August, and is set to give it a shakedown on the track's iconic oval on Thursday. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Chevy drivers have not won an oval race since May, as its teams have struggled to adapt to a new style body introduced by the manufacturer this season. — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Starting this month, the spooky treats will return to store shelves, though without any changes to their smooth, oval shapes. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 13 Aug. 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"