treadmill
noun
tread·mill
ˈtred-ˌmil 
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
Rebuilding strength in his leg muscles required regular gym exercises with lead rehab physio Richard Clark, including walking on an anti-gravity treadmill, deadlifts, box jumps, split squats with weights, balancing drills and running on a small trampoline.
—
Jay Harris, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Researchers assessed participants’ fitness levels using treadmill performance tests.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 13 May 2026
There’s a compact fitness room outfitted with a Peloton bike, treadmill, and free weights, and guests also have access to the nearby pool at the Mosaic Hotel.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Her morning routine also includes drinking water, making her bed, having a cup of black coffee and fitting in the aforementioned workout, whether that be the treadmill, yoga or a quick swim in her apartment’s swimming pool.
—Cristina Velocci, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
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Jay Harris, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Researchers assessed participants’ fitness levels using treadmill performance tests.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 13 May 2026
There’s a compact fitness room outfitted with a Peloton bike, treadmill, and free weights, and guests also have access to the nearby pool at the Mosaic Hotel.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Her morning routine also includes drinking water, making her bed, having a cup of black coffee and fitting in the aforementioned workout, whether that be the treadmill, yoga or a quick swim in her apartment’s swimming pool.
—Cristina Velocci, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
Cite this Entry
“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
treadmill
noun
tread·mill
ˈtred-ˌmil
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
: 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
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