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
Reading Lázár is like running on a treadmill.
—
Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
The simple gym room is equipped with an elliptical, a couple treadmills, and weight-lifting systems, all with views of a glistening tributary of the Cubango River that flows through the property.
—Samantha Falewée, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
The 12-by-16-foot structure is spacious enough to fit several chaise lounges for poolside reading, a patio furniture set and a propane fire pit for summer hangouts, or even a treadmill and free weights to create your own personal home gym (without sacrificing your garage).
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
There’s a workout area that’s partially open to the elements with weights, a trampoline, rowing machine and stretch bands, but a treadmill and other cardio equipment would be a good addition for runners.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for treadmill
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Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
The simple gym room is equipped with an elliptical, a couple treadmills, and weight-lifting systems, all with views of a glistening tributary of the Cubango River that flows through the property.
—Samantha Falewée, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
The 12-by-16-foot structure is spacious enough to fit several chaise lounges for poolside reading, a patio furniture set and a propane fire pit for summer hangouts, or even a treadmill and free weights to create your own personal home gym (without sacrificing your garage).
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
There’s a workout area that’s partially open to the elements with weights, a trampoline, rowing machine and stretch bands, but a treadmill and other cardio equipment would be a good addition for runners.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 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 May. 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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