el·lip·ti·cal
i-ˈlip-ti-kəl 
e-
variants
or elliptic
i-ˈlip-tik
e-
1
: of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse
2
a
: of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis or an ellipsis
b(1)
: of, relating to, or marked by extreme economy of speech or writing
(2)
: of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)
plural ellipticals
1
: elliptical galaxy
In Hubble's scheme, galaxies are divided into ellipticals and spirals.—
Roberto G. Abraham et al.
Roberto G. Abraham et al.2
: elliptical trainer
Ellipticals move in a smooth, oval motion, like riding a bike standing up, and offer great features like your beloved treadmill.—Monique Savin
Monique SavinSynonyms
Examples of elliptical in a Sentence
Adjective
The moon follows an elliptical path around the Earth.
a writer with an elliptical style
Recent Examples on the Web
Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
All three muscle groups may be utilized in one elliptical session if desired.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Save on a workout rack that's 73 percent off — that's a savings of almost $1,000 — in addition to treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers, all under $400 ahead of Cyber Monday.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elliptical 
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Adjective
So stationary bike, walking, elliptical, getting in the pool, taking away weight off of it.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
All three muscle groups may be utilized in one elliptical session if desired.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
This is where an elliptical can come in.1 These machines are easy on the joints and versatile—allowing for a forward or backward stride with an adjusted incline and resistance.2
Elliptical trainers may protect against making a previous injury worse, as well as help prevent injuries.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Save on a workout rack that's 73 percent off — that's a savings of almost $1,000 — in addition to treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers, all under $400 ahead of Cyber Monday.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elliptical
Dictionary Entries Near elliptical
Cite this Entry
“Elliptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elliptical. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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