treadmill

Everyday

1. A treadmill is an exercise machine with a moving belt that you walk or run on without going anywhere. tree →
2. (figurative) A treadmill is a boring routine of work that goes on and on and never seems to get anywhere. tree →
3. (history) A treadmill was a large wheel turned by people or animals walking on it, used to grind grain or pump water, and in Victorian prisons as a punishment. tree →

In the lessons

Health and PE: treadmills at gyms let people run indoors; you can set speed and slope. Safety: children should not use treadmills without an adult — fingers and clothes can get caught. History: Victorian prisoners were made to walk the treadmill for hours. Everyday talk: «I'm stuck on the treadmill» means my life feels like the same tiring work every day.

Examples

• Mum runs on the treadmill when it is raining. tree →
• The treadmill was set to a slow walk. tree →
• Victorian prisoners had to walk on the treadmill. tree →
• He felt his job was a never-ending treadmill. tree →
• Keep fingers away from a moving treadmill. tree →
• Vets use underwater treadmills to help dogs recover. tree →
• How long and wearisome the time appeared; it was like being in a treadmill. tree →

Note

Countable, one word. From «tread» (to step) + «mill». Similar: running machine (UK).