treadmill

noun

tread·​mill ˈtred-ˌmil How to pronounce treadmill (audio)
Synonyms of treadmillnext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mirković has been doing work on the underwater and anti-gravity treadmills, but a foot injury requires regaining his conditioning. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 The gym’s elliptical and treadmill positions let guests work out with a view. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Sarah ran on a treadmill to the point of exhaustion (to find her VO2 max); tested her sense of smell (since olfactory loss is a sign of rapid aging); and sat through all manner of scans and blood draws. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026 Sharpe said he’s climbed on the treadmill after games for the past four or five years. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treadmill

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Time Traveler
The first known use of treadmill was in 1822

Rhymes for treadmill

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Browse Nearby Words

tread lightly
treadmill
tread on one's toes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
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