1
: an oval figure or object
2
: a racetrack in the shape of an oval or a rectangle having rounded corners
: having the shape of an egg
also
: broadly elliptical
Examples of oval in a Sentence
Noun
The racetrack is an oval.
Adjective
the Oval Office in the White House
Recent Examples on the Web
Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
President Donald Trump’s administration has sent hundreds of Venezuelan deportees to languish in Salvadoran prisons this year, joking with Mr. Bukele in the oval office in April about imprisoning U.S. citizens in El Salvador as well.
—Nelson Mauricio Rauda Zablah, Christian Science Monitor, 6 June 2025
Benjamin C Tankersley, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023
This simple opener works well on circular cans but may not be effective on dented, square, or oval cans.
—Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for oval
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Noun
In the past few years, anything with a high price point that promises quality — a $759 Le Creuset cast iron oval casserole dish, or a $1,270 Acqua di Parma jumbo candle — can also be marketed as premium.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
President Donald Trump’s administration has sent hundreds of Venezuelan deportees to languish in Salvadoran prisons this year, joking with Mr. Bukele in the oval office in April about imprisoning U.S. citizens in El Salvador as well.
—Nelson Mauricio Rauda Zablah, Christian Science Monitor, 6 June 2025
Adjective
The Kohler Sunstruck oval tub is standard in the primary bathroom if this layout is chosen.
—Benjamin C Tankersley, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023
This simple opener works well on circular cans but may not be effective on dented, square, or oval cans.
—Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for oval
Cite this Entry
“Oval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oval. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oval
1 of 2 noun
: an oval figure or object
oval
2 of 2 adjective
: having the shape or outline of an egg
Etymology
Adjective
from Latin ovalis (adjective) "having the shape of an egg," derived from earlier ovum "egg"
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