glue

play

noun \ˈglü\

Definition of glue

1a : any of various strong adhesive substances; especially : a hard protein chiefly gelatinous substance that absorbs water to form a viscous solution with strong adhesive properties and that is obtained by cooking down collagenous materials (as hides or bones)b : a solution of glue used for sticking things together
2 : something that binds together <enough social glue … to satisfy the human desire for community — E. D. Hirsch, Jr.>

gluey

play \ˈglü-ē\ adjective

gluily

play \ˈglü-ə-lē\ adverb

See glue defined for English-language learners

See glue defined for kids

Examples of glue in a sentence

The hardware store offers several different glues.
<used glue to stick the photo in the album>

Origin and Etymology of glue

Middle English glu, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin glut-, glus; akin to Latin gluten glue — more at clay

First Known Use: 14th century

glue

verb

Definition of glue

glued

;

gluing

also

glueing

transitive verb
1 : to cause to stick tightly with or as if with glue <gluing the parts together> <used that war to glue together a frail story — Gloria Emerson>
2 : to cause to remain continuously or to be fixed steadily —usually used with to <the spectators were glued to their seats> <all eyes glued to the TV screen>

See glue defined for English-language learners

Examples of glue in a sentence

I glued the pieces of the cup back together.

14th Century

First Known Use of glue

14th century

GLUE Defined for English Language Learners

glue

play

noun \ˈglü\

Definition of glue for English Language Learners

: a substance used to stick things tightly together

glue

verb

Definition of glue for English Language Learners

: to make (something) stick to something else by using glue
: to stay in one place because of interest, shock, excitement, etc.

GLUE Defined for Kids

glue

play

noun \ˈglü\

Definition of glue for Students

: a substance used to stick things tightly together

gluey

\ˈglü-ē\ adjective

glue

play

verb

Definition of glue for Students

glued

gluing

: to stick with or as if with glue <… here they were, eyes glued on my mother and taking in every word. — Barbara Robinson, Best Christmas Pageant>