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

Give It A Rest After mixing, leave the dough in the refrigerator to let the gluten (the protein that holds everything together) relax and allow the butter time to resolidify. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025

Reese's peanut butter cups, which come in packages of one, two or four, are labeled gluten-free. —Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025

There are gluten-free and Alpha-gal-friendly options on the menu as well. —Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

The researchers noted that people’s symptoms are certainly real, but the cause is rarely straightforward or purely about gluten. —New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025

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