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.
To make this gluten-free, replace the couscous with 1 1/2 cups cooked rice or quinoa, or skip the grains entirely and stir in 2 cups cauliflower rice with the peppers and beef. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 All pastries and crêpes made in house are gluten-free (made with Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 flour), so there’s little risk of cross contamination. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026 For instance, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid traditional English muffins, unless they're specifically labeled gluten-free, since they're typically made with wheat flour. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 There are other options at the stand that are gluten-free as well, including Dole Whip floats and regular soft-serve cups cups (not cones). — Teagan Davidge, Oc Register, 25 July 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 14 Aug. 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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