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
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
For a more active approach to wellbeing, the second-floor gym offers treadmills, elliptical machines, and weight-training equipment, and hosts yoga and pilates sessions.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Is Chuck Schumer headed down the same dark treadmill to senility pioneered by Dementia Joe Biden before him?
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
Sprints, jogging, and incline walking on the treadmill every morning.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Tapping any of them will adjust the treadmill accordingly.
—Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Is Chuck Schumer headed down the same dark treadmill to senility pioneered by Dementia Joe Biden before him?
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
Sprints, jogging, and incline walking on the treadmill every morning.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Tapping any of them will adjust the treadmill accordingly.
—Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
Cite this Entry
“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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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