treadmill

noun

tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
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 From ellipticals to stair steppers to treadmills, there’s something for every type of worker. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 2 July 2024 Peloton recalled its Tread Plus treadmill that same year after it was involved in the death of a child. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 22 June 2024 Cardio equipment: Depending on your preference and space, choose a treadmill, elliptical machine or stationary bike for cardiovascular health and calorie burning. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024 If so, treadmill exercise will require slightly less energy. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 11 Jan. 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.

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Time Traveler
The first known use of treadmill was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near treadmill

Cite this Entry

“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

treadmill

noun
tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
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 How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on treadmill

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