noun

treadmill

treadmill, running machine, monotonous routine

I run on the treadmill at the gym.

I run on the treadmill at the gym.

His job feels like a treadmill.

His job feels like a treadmill.

((on a/the treadmill)) using the exercise machine I run on the treadmill at the gym.

((a treadmill of sth.)) a monotonous routine of (sth.) His job feels like a treadmill.

Synonyms: (exercise) running machine; (routine) grind, routine, monotony

From 'tread' (to step) and 'mill' (a machine). Originally, it was a device powered by people or animals treading on steps.

Picture 'treading' on a 'mill' that goes nowhere, which applies to both the exercise machine and a boring, repetitive job.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.