gluten

noun

glu·​ten ˈglü-tᵊn 

: a tenacious elastic protein substance especially of wheat flour that gives cohesiveness to dough

glutenous

ˈglü-tə-nəs 

ˈglüt-nəs

adjective

Examples of gluten in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fermentation also changes the bread chemically, Messer notes, as beneficial bacteria known as lactic acid help break down some starches and proteins in the dough, including small amounts of gluten. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 28 June 2026

Reed notes that oat may not be appropriate for people with celiac disease unless they're specifically certified gluten-free because oat milk can contain small amounts of gluten. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026

Sett Coffee From the owners of Clam Bar, this all-day coffee shop has Flutter Butter gluten-free cookies and honey biscuits from the Golden Gnome. — Nancy Kane, Curbed, 25 June 2026

The formula is plant-based and vegan, and the gummies are free from gluten, dairy and nuts. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin glutin-, gluten glue — more at clay

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gluten

• pluton
• rutin

Kids Definition

gluten

noun

glu·​ten ˈglüt-ᵊn 

: a tough elastic protein substance in flour especially from wheat that holds together dough and makes it sticky

Medical Definition

gluten

noun

glu·​ten ˈglüt-ᵊn 

: a gluey protein substance especially of wheat flour that causes dough to be sticky

glutenous

ˈglüt-nəs, -ᵊn-əs 

adjective