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

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

All varieties are $6 per package except for the gluten-free cookie which is $7. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

And Eat It Too As someone who comes from a family with different dietary needs, a good gluten-free readymade product is always a victory. —Katie Akin, Southern Living, 18 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