tread

/trɛd/
noun
  1. The pattern of ridges on a tire or shoe sole that provides grip.
    • Check the tread on your shoes before hiking on wet rocks.
    • The tires had deep tread for driving on snow.
    • The tread on these boots is worn smooth and needs replacing.
  2. The sound or manner of walking or stepping.
    • I heard the heavy tread of boots on the stairs.
    • The soldier's tread was steady and rhythmic.
    • Her light tread barely made a sound on the carpet.
verb
  1. To step or walk on or over something.
    • She trod carefully across the icy sidewalk.
    • We could hear footsteps treading softly on the wooden floor.
    • Be careful not to tread on the flowers in the garden.
  2. To press or crush something with the feet.
    • The workers trod the grapes to make wine.
    • The cattle trod a path through the muddy field.
    • He accidentally trod on the toy and broke it.
  3. To walk in a particular way or with a particular purpose.
    • She trod the familiar path to the library every morning.
    • They trod the long road home in silence.
    • He trod the halls of the old school one last time.
What does "tread" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean