noun · verb · 9 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/ˈtɹɛd.mɪl/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:T R EH1 D M IH2 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
A piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
A mill worked by persons treading upon steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis. It was used principally as a means of prison discipline.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: historical
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: mill, stepper, everlasting staircase
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
A mill worked by horses, dogs, etc., treading an endless belt.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
A process or situation in which continued effort leads to or is required for remaining at a particular state or level without moving ahead.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
verb
Meaning 5
To exercise on a treadmill.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
verb
Meaning 6
To keep busy, for example, with work or with other tasks, without being able to get ahead or make progress towards long-term goals.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, figuratively, intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
noun
Meaning 7
a job involving drudgery and confinement
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: salt mine
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: occupation, business, job, line of work, line
8
noun
Meaning 8
a mill that is powered by men or animals walking on a circular belt or climbing steps
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: treadwheel, tread-wheel
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: mill, grinder, milling machinery
9
noun
Meaning 9
an exercise device consisting of an endless belt on which a person can walk or jog without changing place
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: exercise device
History
Etymology
From tread + mill. Its figurative senses refer to the idea that running on a treadmill requires continued effort and motion to remain in the same place.
Across languages
Translations
78 source translations are retained for this English entry.