gluteus

noun

glu·​te·​us ˈglü-tē-əs  glü-ˈtē- 

plural glutei ˈglü-tē-ˌī  -tē-ˌē  glü-ˈtē-ˌī 

: any of the large muscles of the buttocks

especially : gluteus maximus

Examples of gluteus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lateral Lunge Research points to a link between weak gluteus medius muscles (the smaller butt muscles located above and outside the gluteus maximus) and issues like lower back pain and knee injuries. —Jenessa Connor, Health, 10 June 2026

Standing Penguins The standing penguin exercise also targets the gluteus medius, helping to keep your knee stable and tracking correctly. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026

This will add resistance and make your gluteus medius work a little harder. —Sarah Klein, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026

Pulse up and down a few inches for 30 to 60 seconds, then repeat on the other leg. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER No. 2: Clamshells (strengthens gluteus medius) Lie on your side with knees bent at 90 degrees in front of you. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin glutaeus, gluteus, from Greek gloutos buttock — more at cloud

First Known Use

circa 1681, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gluteus

• gluteus maximus

Rhymes for gluteus

• beauteous

Medical Definition

gluteus

noun

glu·​te·​us ˈglüt-ē-əs  glü-ˈtē- 

plural glutei ˈglüt-ē-ˌī  -ē-ˌē; glü-ˈtē-ˌī 

: any of three large muscles of the buttocks:

a

: gluteus maximus

b

: gluteus medius

c

: gluteus minimus