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
From left: Charles Kim Haskell sits in a hospital wheelchair; and steps on a treadmill with monitors.
—
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
During spring training, López would get on a treadmill at 5:30 a.m., before his work as a coach began.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Now is a wise time to save on normally splurge-worthy home gym equipment, like treadmills, vibration plates, or an adjustable kettlebell.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 4 July 2025
The next morning, Michelle got out of bed and stepped onto a treadmill.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
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Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
During spring training, López would get on a treadmill at 5:30 a.m., before his work as a coach began.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Now is a wise time to save on normally splurge-worthy home gym equipment, like treadmills, vibration plates, or an adjustable kettlebell.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 4 July 2025
The next morning, Michelle got out of bed and stepped onto a treadmill.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
Cite this Entry
“Treadmill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treadmill. Accessed 29 Jul. 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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