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
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
Her viral workout routine included singing the full setlist from the tour while running on the treadmill.
—
Athena Sobhan, Peoplemag, 13 June 2024
Sales had skyrocketed in 2020, quintupling the company’s share price as homebound fitness buffs plunked down monthly money for interactive workouts on high-end treadmills and stationary bikes.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 2 May 2024
At one time, two horses on treadmills supplied the power to propel the vessel across the river.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2024
After being released from the hospital, Young Bowens went to the gym and got on a treadmill.
—Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for treadmill 
Athena Sobhan, Peoplemag, 13 June 2024
Sales had skyrocketed in 2020, quintupling the company’s share price as homebound fitness buffs plunked down monthly money for interactive workouts on high-end treadmills and stationary bikes.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 2 May 2024
At one time, two horses on treadmills supplied the power to propel the vessel across the river.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2024
After being released from the hospital, Young Bowens went to the gym and got on a treadmill.
—Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for treadmill
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'treadmill.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near treadmill
Cite this Entry
“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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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