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

Other highlights include a library gallery, a TV room, a wine cellar, and an exercise space, plus a posh primary suite holding an office, a private terrace, and a luxe bath showcased by a freestanding gray oval soaking tub. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2026

Ritani is a great pick for those who want options, with 10 different shape varieties to choose from, including classics like round, cushion, and oval, as well as marquise, pear, and heart. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 26 Mar. 2026

Adjective

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

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