1
: an oval figure or object
2
: a racetrack in the shape of an oval or a rectangle having rounded corners
: having the shape of an egg
also
: broadly elliptical
Synonyms
Examples of oval in a Sentence
Noun
The racetrack is an oval.
Adjective
the Oval Office in the White House
Recent Examples on the Web
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Apr. 2024
In a similar way, the winds that rip around the spot — in excess of 400 miles per hour — may be whittling that unsustainable oval into a more durable shape.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oval 
Noun
Towards the middle section of the image the landscape changes somewhat, with large roundish and oval swirls creating an effect reminiscent of marble.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Apr. 2024
In a similar way, the winds that rip around the spot — in excess of 400 miles per hour — may be whittling that unsustainable oval into a more durable shape.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oval
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oval.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near oval
Cite this Entry
“Oval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oval. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oval
1 of 2 noun
: an oval figure or object
oval
2 of 2 adjective
: having the shape or outline of an egg
Etymology
Adjective
from Latin ovalis (adjective) "having the shape of an egg," derived from earlier ovum "egg"
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