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

Today, all flavors cost $6 except for the gluten-free Toffee-tastic cookies, which run 7 bucks. —Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026

The liquid has a pleasant fruit flavor without any sugar, gluten or GMOs. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026

Arrowroot flour is a grain-free, gluten-free powder derived from the rhizomes of the tropical West Indian Arrowroot plant. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026

That signature creation tops rustic bread (gluten-free is available) with avocado, marinated tomatoes, watermelon radish slices and microgreens. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 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