noun
treadmill
TREHD-mihl
noun
1
An exercise machine with a moving belt for walking or running in place.
"He ran five miles on the treadmill at the gym."
2
A situation where continuous effort is needed just to stay in the same position, without real progress.
"She felt trapped on the treadmill of paying off one debt with another."
How to Use Treadmill
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA treadmill is a running machine at the gym, or, figuratively, any endless cycle of effort that doesn't get you anywhere new.
Common pairings
on the treadmill
the corporate treadmill
a treadmill of debt
Word Forms
treadmilled past tense, treadmills plural, treadmills singular
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He ran five miles on the _____ at the gym.
Etymology
From "tread" + "mill" — originally a real mill powered by people or animals walking on a wheel.