1
a
: to step or walk on or over
b
: to walk or proceed along : follow
treading a fine line between tradition and innovation
4
: to copulate with
—used of a male bird
1
: to move or proceed on or as if on foot
must tread lightly
2
a
: to set foot
has gone where others fear to tread
b
: to put one's foot : step
carelessly treading on the flowers
3
: copulate
treader
noun
1
a(1)
: the part of a wheel or tire that makes contact with a road or rail
(2)
: the pattern of ridges or grooves made or cut in the face of a tire
b
: the part of a shoe or boot sole that touches the ground
also
: the pattern on the bottom of a sole
2
a
: the upper horizontal part of a step
b
: the width of such a tread
3
4
: a mark (something, such as a footprint or the imprint of a tire) made by or as if by treading
5
: the distance between the points of contact with the ground of the two front wheels or the two rear wheels of a vehicle
Synonyms
Examples of tread in a Sentence
Verb
They slowly trod back to the camp.
Don't tread on the grass.
treading the halls of the Senate
Countless footsteps have trodden a path to their door.
Noun
The treads of the tires were badly worn.
running shoes with good treads
Recent Examples on the Web
Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Nov. 2024
The Harris campaign has sought to tread a line between tightening border security, while also avoiding demonizing migrants writ large.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Stephanie Pearson, WIRED, 4 July 2024
Multiple treads are marked down at Sunny Health & Fitness ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
—Suzy Forman, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tread 
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Verb
Trump’s willingness to take risks, his boldness in appearing in places and situations where the old Republican Party feared to tread, his knack for the memorable photo and cutting riposte have defined his political career and the 2024 campaign.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Nov. 2024
The Harris campaign has sought to tread a line between tightening border security, while also avoiding demonizing migrants writ large.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
The Schwalbe Big Ben 2-inch-wide tires have a hefty tread pattern for an urban bike, offering nice traction.
—Stephanie Pearson, WIRED, 4 July 2024
Multiple treads are marked down at Sunny Health & Fitness ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
—Suzy Forman, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tread
Articles Related to tread
Dictionary Entries Near tread
Cite this Entry
“Tread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tread. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tread
2 of 2 noun1
: a mark made by or as if by treading
2
: the action, manner, or sound of treading or stepping
3
a
: the part of a sole that touches the ground
b
: the part of a wheel or tire that makes contact with a road or rail
especially
: the ridges or grooves on the surface of a tire
4
: the horizontal part of a step
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