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

The Wild Hare menu has a crazy amount of gluten-free options, so my mom was in seventh heaven. —Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026

Powered by nutrient-dense lupini beans, Kaizen’s pasta, rice and mac & cheese deliver over 20 grams of protein per serving, 80-85% fewer carbs than traditional options and 15 grams of fiber while remaining gluten-free, non-GMO and kosher. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

Published in the journal Cell Host and Microbe, the study found that diets rich in casein, the main protein in milk and cheese, along with wheat gluten, could limit cholera bacteria in the gut. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026

Vodka hydrates the flour without developing gluten, making for an especially pliable dough that’s easy to shape into a lattice if desired. —Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 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