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 site includes choices like GLP-1, vegan, low-calorie, Mediterranean diet, Asian, pescatarian, gluten-free vegetarian and more. —Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Jan. 2026

Quinoa and brown rice are nutritious, gluten-free staples that offer health-promoting nutrients. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 9 Jan. 2026

Right now, the company says Allergen Alert can only test for gluten and dairy, but there are plans to expand to other common allergens. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Jan. 2026

Gluten-intolerant people get sick after eating gluten and may experience digestive issues. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 Jan. 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