oval

1 of 2

noun

ˈō-vəl 

1

: an oval figure or object

2

: a racetrack in the shape of an oval or a rectangle having rounded corners

oval

2 of 2

adjective

: having the shape of an egg

also : broadly elliptical

ovality

ō-ˈva-lə-tē 

noun

ovally

ˈō-və-lē 

adverb

ovalness noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• elliptical
• elliptic
• ovate
• ovoid
• ovoidal

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

Noun

Portuguese artist José Pedro Croft created a sculpture of three large oval elements on the eastern terrace of the palace. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Guests can stroll through a shimmering oval park adorned with giant color-changing trees, experience the charm of recreated snowfall, and explore Santa’s Castle. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The Kohler Sunstruck oval tub is standard in the primary bathroom if this layout is chosen. —Benjamin C Tankersley, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023

This simple opener works well on circular cans but may not be effective on dented, square, or oval cans. —Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin ovalis, from Late Latin, of an egg, from Latin ovum

First Known Use

Noun

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1561, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing oval

• oval window

Kids Definition

oval

1 of 2 noun

ˈō-vəl 

: 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"