treadmill

== English == === 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. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈtɹɛd.mɪl/ === Noun === treadmill (plural treadmills) A piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place. (historical) 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. Synonyms: mill, stepper, everlasting staircase A mill worked by horses, dogs, etc., treading an endless belt. (figurative) A process or situation in which continued effort leads to or is required for remaining at a particular state or level without moving ahead. Coordinate terms: musical chairs, merry-go-round ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === treadmill (third-person singular simple present treadmills, present participle treadmilling, simple past and past participle treadmilled) (intransitive) To exercise on a treadmill. (figuratively, by extension, intransitive) To keep busy, for example, with work or with other tasks, without being able to get ahead or make progress towards long-term goals. ==== See also ==== === Further reading === treadmill on Wikipedia.Wikipedia