1. exercise machines with moving belts that allow walking or running in place
2. monotonous, repetitive activities or situations that seem to lead nowhere
Usage: figurative
3. large wheels turned by people or animals walking on steps around the circumference, formerly used for power
Usage: historical

Examples

• The gym has twenty new treadmills on the second floor.
• She runs five miles on the treadmill every morning.
• Many people find treadmills boring compared to outdoor running.
• He felt trapped in the treadmills of corporate life.
• Breaking free from daily treadmills requires conscious effort.
• Historical prisons used treadmills as punishment devices.
• The old mill was powered by treadmills operated by horses.