gluteus

noun

glu·​te·​us ˈglü-tē-əs How to pronounce gluteus (audio) glü-ˈtē- How to pronounce gluteus (audio)
plural glutei ˈglü-tē-ˌī How to pronounce gluteus (audio) -tē-ˌē How to pronounce gluteus (audio) glü-ˈtē-ˌī How to pronounce gluteus (audio)
: any of the large muscles of the buttocks
especially : gluteus maximus

Examples of gluteus 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.
Not sure if your gluteus medius is weak enough to cause hip issues? — Galina Espinoza, Flow Space, 8 Apr. 2025 Clam shells target your gluteus medius and minimus for improved knee stability. — Jakob Roze, Health, 18 June 2026 Standing Penguins The standing penguin exercise also targets the gluteus medius, helping to keep your knee stable and tracking correctly. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026 This move works all three of your glute muscles, including the gluteus maximus (the biggest butt muscle), as well as the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus (two smaller muscles that form your side butt and help stabilize your hips), Reiner says. — Jenny McCoy, Outside, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gluteus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin glutaeus, gluteus, from Greek gloutos buttock — more at cloud

First Known Use

circa 1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gluteus was circa 1681

Phrases Containing gluteus

Rhymes for gluteus

See All Rhymes for gluteus

Browse Nearby Words

glutethimide
gluteus
gluteus maximus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gluteus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gluteus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on gluteus

Nglish: Translation of gluteus for Spanish Speakers

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