treadmill

tread·mill | \ ˈtred-ˌmil

Definition of treadmill

1a : 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

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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 Nelson is feeling inspired to run a little bit longer than 30 minutes on the treadmill. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "The Challenge: Total Madness recap: A noble sacrifice and the miracle we needed," 9 July 2020 Griffith ran in a pool and on an anti-gravity treadmill, building up before any strength training was allowed. — Ethan Sears, The Indianapolis Star, "'I think I always wanted to keep playing': Sarah Griffith's return from spinal fusion," 8 July 2020 But this is the time to get off that treadmill, especially if your annual fee just came due. — Julian Kheel, CNN Underscored, "The worst financial fees and how to avoid them," 3 July 2020 Looney, who is set to earn $10 million over the next two seasons, has been spotted recently on the treadmill at Golden State’s practice facility. — Connor Letourneau, SFChronicle.com, "Kevon Looney: Can Warriors center regain title as ‘foundational piece?’," 20 June 2020 There’s a treadmill, weights, medicine balls, boxing gloves and even workout routines written in blue marker on the mirror. — Sam Blum, Dallas News, "The story of Max Nady, and how his father Scott Nady is teaching him and learning all at the same time," 19 June 2020 These heart rate monitors will give you a more accurate reading than your Apple Watch or that old treadmill at the gym. — Popular Science, "Heart rate monitors to track your vitals while on the run," 19 June 2020 The nostalgic outdoor activity has spiked in popularity as people opt outside (rather than the gym or the treadmill). — Amanda Tarlton, USA TODAY, "15 products that are selling out everywhere—and where you can buy them," 17 June 2020 Or those who, after three months trapped in the house, just need a haircut or an hourlong jog on the treadmill? — oregonlive, "When Multnomah County reopens, will Portlanders risk returning to normal during coronavirus?," 14 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'treadmill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near treadmill

tread on (someone's) toes

tread on the toes of (someone)

tread plate

Statistics for treadmill

Last Updated

16 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 6 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for treadmill

treadmill

noun

English Language Learners Definition of treadmill

: an exercise machine which has a large belt that moves around while a person walks or runs on it

: a boring or tiring activity, job, etc., in which you repeatedly do the same things

See the full definition for treadmill in the English Language Learners Dictionary

treadmill

noun

tread·mill | \ ˈtred-ˌmil

Kids Definition of treadmill

1 : a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place for exercise

2 : a tiresome routine

treadmill

noun

tread·mill | \ ˈtred-ˌmil

Medical Definition of treadmill

: 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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