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
Someone hitting their step count entirely on a treadmill isn’t getting the same protective effect as someone splitting time across walking, strength training and a recreational sport.
—
Allison Palmer
june 3, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
There’s a real sense of place here, from the apple chip snacks served in the relaxation room to the glass oblong of a gym, where active folk can pound the treadmill while watching the gardeners at work.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Incline treadmill walking counts too.
—Allison Palmer
june 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
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Allison Palmer
june 3, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
There’s a real sense of place here, from the apple chip snacks served in the relaxation room to the glass oblong of a gym, where active folk can pound the treadmill while watching the gardeners at work.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Incline treadmill walking counts too.
—Allison Palmer
june 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
Cite this Entry
“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 9 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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