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

• elliptic
• elliptical

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

Thus, in order to more clearly observe Callisto's auroral signature, Jupiter's auroral oval would have to shift. —Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Mealtime is equally theatrical in the oval dining room, with vibrant floral wallpaper and a bank of curved windows that provide a perfect sightline to an outdoor fountain. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Wait for the oval green fruits to drop on the ground. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

Another shot showed a closeup of Wei’s new engagement ring, which featured an oval diamond on a golden band. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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"