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.
The formula is plant-based and vegan, and the gummies are free from gluten, dairy and nuts. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026 For the 2028 cruise, there will be 11 entirely gluten-free restaurants and no gluten-containing products on board. — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Reed notes that oat may not be appropriate for people with celiac disease unless they're specifically certified gluten-free because oat milk can contain small amounts of gluten. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026 According to the Grüns website, the gummies are plant-based and vegan, with no gluten, dairy, nuts, synthetic sweeteners or synthetic dyes. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 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 7 Jul. 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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