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
Clayton, who used to be a performer herself, would often prep for showtime by singing while running on a treadmill.
—
Jordan Smith, SELF, 7 Feb. 2025
The Clifton 9s offer bountiful, weight-distributing foam for a cushy step every time, whether that involves running on the treadmill or running to pick up the kids.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 29 Jan. 2025
In the video, Lambert can be seen walking on a treadmill and turning around in surprise to see her parents striding toward in her.
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
The American Heart Association recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, but not everyone has 30 minutes each day to hop on a treadmill or do high-intensity training, Dr. Lara-Breitinger said.
—Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for treadmill 
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Jordan Smith, SELF, 7 Feb. 2025
The Clifton 9s offer bountiful, weight-distributing foam for a cushy step every time, whether that involves running on the treadmill or running to pick up the kids.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 29 Jan. 2025
In the video, Lambert can be seen walking on a treadmill and turning around in surprise to see her parents striding toward in her.
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
The American Heart Association recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, but not everyone has 30 minutes each day to hop on a treadmill or do high-intensity training, Dr. Lara-Breitinger said.
—Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for treadmill
Dictionary Entries Near treadmill
Cite this Entry
“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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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