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

Synonyms of treadmill

• routine
• grind

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

Participants then walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes at a comfortable speed before lying down for 15 minutes, during which their bowel sounds were measured again. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026

Chris Hemsworth From walking on the treadmill with his son in his arms to whipping up dinosaur birthday cakes, our 2014 Sexiest Man Alive is basically Super Dad to children Tristan, Sasha and India. — Maria Yagoda, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2026

Grease can be tracked onto the carpet on shoes, transferred from natural body oils or skincare products, or left behind by household equipment like fans, treadmills, and vacuum cleaners. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2026

Much like these kind of programs at a fitness center, the treadmill will adjust itself depending on the virtual route chosen. — New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Rhymes for treadmill

• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill
• dunghill
• foothill
• fulfil
• fulfill
• goodwill

Kids 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