1. an exercise machine with a moving belt that you walk or run on while staying in one place
2. a monotonous routine or situation that seems impossible to escape from
Usage: figurative
3. a device powered by people or animals walking on steps around a wheel, formerly used as punishment or to operate machinery
Usage: historical

Examples

• She runs on the treadmill for thirty minutes every morning.
• The gym has ten new treadmills in the cardio section.
• He felt trapped in the treadmill of his daily commute and office work.
• Many people find themselves on a financial treadmill, working harder but never getting ahead.
• Prisoners in the 19th century were forced to walk on treadmills as punishment.
• The old mill used a treadmill powered by oxen to grind grain.