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

This supplement is made without gluten or dairy and contains various proteins to help promote a healthy diet. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

Allergen-friendly formats are increasingly important too, especially for families navigating nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free requirements around school policies and gatherings. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026

The restaurant was recently featured in a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel roundup of gluten-free fish fries. —Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 29 Mar. 2026

Seitan Made from wheat gluten, this fake meat is shockingly high in protein. —Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 28 Mar. 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