What does treadmill mean?
A treadmill is a motorized machine with a moving belt designed for walking, jogging, or running in place. Its name comes from the way a person's steps move the mechanism, and the same principle was used in mills powered by human or animal walking. In modern usage, the word also describes a repetitive routine from which there is little relief, especially a demanding job or lifestyle. Expressions concerning the corporate or daily treadmill often carry a mildly critical tone: they suggest constant activity that may keep people busy without genuinely improving their lives. A treadmill can refer to the object itself, that figurative pattern, or the activity of exercising on one. The word is neutral and common in British and American English, while its figurative use is especially associated with discussions of work, commuting, and consumer culture.
nounA motorized machine with a moving belt on which a person walks, jogs, or runs for exercise. By extension, it means a repetitive routine or way of life that is tiring and offers little opportunity for change or relief.
- A motorized exercise machine with a moving belt used for walking, jogging, or running in place.
- A mill or other mechanism driven by the walking action of people or animals.
- A repetitive, demanding routine or way of life characterized by continuous pressure and little relief.
"She used the treadmill while she worked from home, but the routine quickly began to feel monotonous."
"He started using a treadmill to train for a marathon."
"Commuting, constant deadlines, and endless notifications can put a person on what feels like an endless treadmill."
The plural form is used when referring to more than one treadmill.
"The gym has treadmills on the lower floor."
Before gyms, treadmills powered mills: prisoners were sentenced to walk on moving treadwheels to grind grain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does treadmill come from?
The compound treadmill appeared in English in the early nineteenth century for a mill whose mechanism was driven by the action of treading. Its first element comes from tread, from Old English treadan, meaning to tread or step, while mill comes from Old English mille, borrowed from Latin mola. Related English forms such as treadle and treadway were formed on the same base and preserve the idea of stepping or a path trodden.
Related word forms
How treadmill is actually used
The literal sense is neutral and common in both British and American English. The figurative sense is often critical, particularly in discussions of employment, commuting, and consumer culture. As a countable noun, it normally takes singular or plural agreement.