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

Squats are a foundational exercise for lower-body strength and mobility, targeting major muscle groups such as the quadriceps, gluteus, and hamstrings. —Allison Forsyth, Health, 14 Jan. 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

Using data from over 61,000 MRI exams, investigators explored how 86 different factors including age, physical activity, biomarkers, lifestyle habits, and health conditions were linked with subtle changes to the gluteus maximum. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 1 Dec. 2025

Weakness in the gluteus medius muscle can also contribute to lower back and knee pain. —Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025

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