gluten

noun

glu·​ten ˈglü-tᵊn How to pronounce gluten (audio)
: a tenacious elastic protein substance especially of wheat flour that gives cohesiveness to dough
glutenous
ˈglü-tə-nəs How to pronounce gluten (audio)
ˈglüt-nəs
adjective

Examples of gluten in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Third-party testing is cited for claims including gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, and absence of heavy metals. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Tracee Ellis Ross favors Udi’s gluten-free bread topped with smashed avocado, lemon juice, crushed red pepper and salt as an afternoon snack, according to a People food diary. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 These capsules are non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free and vegan. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 For gluten-free and vegan friends, there are always a few options at your disposal that are far from afterthoughts. — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gluten

Word History

Etymology

Latin glutin-, gluten glue — more at clay

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gluten was in 1803

Rhymes for gluten

See All Rhymes for gluten

Browse Nearby Words

gluteal
gluten
gluten bread
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gluten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gluten. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gluten

noun
glu·​ten ˈglüt-ᵊn How to pronounce gluten (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce gluten (audio)
: a gluey protein substance especially of wheat flour that causes dough to be sticky
glutenous
ˈglüt-nəs, -ᵊn-əs How to pronounce gluten (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gluten

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gluten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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