oval

[ oh-vuhl ]

adjective

1. having the general form, shape, or outline of an egg; egg-shaped.
2. ellipsoidal or elliptical.

noun

1. an object of oval shape.
2. a body or plane figure that is oval in shape or outline.
3. an elliptical field or a field on which an elliptical track is laid out, as for athletic contests.
4. Informal. a football.

Oval

¹

/ ˈəʊvəl /

noun

1. the Oval
   a cricket ground in south London, in the borough of Lambeth

oval

²

/ ˈəʊvəl; əʊˈvælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. having the shape of an ellipse or ellipsoid

noun

1. anything that is oval in shape, such as a sports ground

Derived Forms

• ˈovally, adverb
• ˈovalness, noun

Other Words From

• oval·ly adverb
• oval·ness noun
• half-oval adjective noun
• pseudo·oval adjective
• pseudo·oval·ly adverb
• semi·oval adjective
• semi·oval·ly adverb
• semi·oval·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oval¹

1560–70; < New Latin ōvālis, equivalent to Latin ōv ( um ) egg ¹ + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of oval¹

C16: from Medieval Latin ōvālis, from Latin ōvum egg

Example Sentences

The wide head and narrow oval tail create a slope for each grain, leading to spin and rolling motion when sliding down slopes.

From Science Daily

The series will stage 17 events next year, six on oval speedways, seven on road courses and four on the streets, making it the most eclectic racing series in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

While auroras happen in an oval shape, Steve appears as a ribbon and lasts for 20 minutes to an hour before disappearing.

From BBC

He first touched the oval ball aged 11, when he started at a local grammar school and found it the dominant sport.

From BBC

An oval abrasion on a French bulldog’s ear was rimmed by crusty discharge.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• elliptical