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
His training was jogging on a treadmill for two miles and maybe getting eight to 10 miles a week.
—
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
In militaristic sync as they pound treadmills, down protein shakes and take steroid injections in the buttocks, a gymnasium full of lavishly buff (even 24-packed, to quote a droll visual gag) gay men blankly sing the praises of the body-beautiful lifestyle to a pounding EDM beat.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 May 2026
In addition to its five bedrooms, the suite has a full kitchen and dining room, as well as a wellness room with a treadmill, Peloton bike and other exercise equipment.
—Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Fitness stacking can also mean doing a series of shorter exercises one after the next, or even combining them (like walking on the treadmill while lifting weights).
—Julia Landwehr, Health, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
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Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
In militaristic sync as they pound treadmills, down protein shakes and take steroid injections in the buttocks, a gymnasium full of lavishly buff (even 24-packed, to quote a droll visual gag) gay men blankly sing the praises of the body-beautiful lifestyle to a pounding EDM beat.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 May 2026
In addition to its five bedrooms, the suite has a full kitchen and dining room, as well as a wellness room with a treadmill, Peloton bike and other exercise equipment.
—Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Fitness stacking can also mean doing a series of shorter exercises one after the next, or even combining them (like walking on the treadmill while lifting weights).
—Julia Landwehr, Health, 18 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 3 Jun. 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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