treadmill

noun

tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
1
a
: a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place for exercise or physiological testing
b
: a mill worked by an animal treading an endless belt
c
: a mill worked by persons treading on steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis and used formerly in prison punishment
2
: a wearisome or monotonous routine resembling continued activity on a treadmill
the office treadmill

Examples of treadmill in a Sentence

the treadmill of exhausting family schedules the treadmill of the morning commute to work
Recent Examples on the Web Last week, Nick shared a video of himself walking on a treadmill alongside his brothers ahead of their show in the Philippines. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 The gym has stair climbers, rowing machines, treadmills and strength-training equipment. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 16 Feb. 2024 Doncic took issue with reporters saying the ejection was based on the comment about the treadmill. Schuyler Dixon, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 Fears has been doing shooting drills while seated during MSU’s practices, Izzo said, and has been using an underwater treadmill during his rehabilitation. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 23 Jan. 2024 Upgrades include a new indoor pool with large garage doors connecting it to an new outdoor splash pad, and a fitness center with treadmills, a walking track, weightlifting and cardio equipment. Alexandria Burris, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Jan. 2024 Thanks to mini treadmills, WFH TikTokers are hitting their 10,000 steps without leaving their desks. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2024 Low-impact isometric exercises, like wall sits, may be better at lowering your overall blood pressure than running on a treadmill. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 7 Feb. 2024 Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 34 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, and five turnovers – and took offense to a fan who was wearing a Devin Booker jersey saying he was fatigued and needed to get on the treadmill. Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 25 Jan. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Time Traveler
The first known use of treadmill was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near treadmill

Cite this Entry

“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

treadmill

noun
tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
1
a
: a device moved by persons treading on steps set around the rim of a wide wheel or by animals walking on an endless belt
b
: a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place for exercise or medical testing
2
: a tiring or monotonous routine

Medical Definition

treadmill

noun
tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
: a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place that is used for exercise and in tests of physiological functions see stress test

More from Merriam-Webster on treadmill

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