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.
Almonds ground into a flour are an option for cooking and baking, especially if avoiding wheat or gluten. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2026 Nevertheless, unless specified, these flours also don’t check the gluten-free box. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 19 Oct. 2026 That same barbecue sauce is served with a gargantuan chicken cutlet sheathed in a crunchy golden crust of gluten-free panko crumbs and a profusion of sesame seeds. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Meals feature bright seasonal ingredients (with zero raw vegetables, sugar, alcohol, or gluten). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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

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