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

Brady is also excited about the Alter G, a treadmill with a harness fastened to it. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

There were so many that the news coverage felt like a treadmill. — Steve Hartman, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Haver, author of The New York Times bestseller The New Menopause, owns six weighted vests and wears one about an hour a day during Zoom calls, treadmill walks and chores. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

For a portion of the video, the baby sleeps peacefully in her stroller while Holm walks on the treadmill. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 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