treadmill

[tred-mil]

noun

1. an apparatus for producing rotary motion by the weight of people or animals, treading on a succession of moving steps or a belt that forms a kind of continuous path, as around the periphery of a pair of horizontal cylinders.

2. an exercise machine that allows the user to walk or run in place, usually on a continuous moving belt.

3. any monotonous, wearisome routine in which there is little or no satisfactory progress.

treadmill

/ ˈtrɛdˌmɪl /

noun

1. Also called: treadwheel. (formerly) an apparatus used to produce rotation, in which the weight of men or animals climbing steps on or around the periphery of a cylinder or wheel caused it to turn

2. a dreary round or routine

3. an exercise machine that consists of a continuous moving belt on which to walk or jog

Word History and Origins

Origin of treadmill¹

First recorded in 1815–25; tread + mill ¹

Example Sentences

There are four pools - one to swim in, a cold plunge, hot plunge and another with an underwater treadmill, the depth of which can be adjusted as required.

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Authorities also uncovered treadmills, bite sticks, steroids and records that detailed fight arrangements and wagering.

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Usually, he does his walking on a treadmill.

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But walking on a treadmill, in a glass tank filled with water at chest level was new to him — and admittedly a little scary at first.

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Technology has taken over with simulators and treadmills and sensors hunting for spare fractions of a second to eliminate.

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