glue

[gloo]

noun

1. a hard, impure, protein gelatin, obtained by boiling skins, hoofs, and other animal substances in water, that when melted or diluted is a strong adhesive.

2. any of various solutions or preparations of this substance, used as an adhesive.

3. any of various other solutions or preparations that can be used as adhesives.

verb (used with object)

glued, gluing 

1. to join or fasten with glue.

   Synonyms: plaster, cement, stick, gum, paste

2. to cover or smear (something) with glue (sometimes followed byup ).

3. to fix or attach firmly with or as if with glue; make adhere closely.

   to glue a model ship together.

glue

/ ɡluː /

noun

1. any natural or synthetic adhesive, esp a sticky gelatinous substance prepared by boiling animal products such as bones, skin, and horns

2. any other sticky or adhesive substance

verb

1. (tr) to join or stick together with or as if with glue

Other Word Forms

• gluelike adjective
• gluer noun
• reglue verb (used with object)
• gluey adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glue¹

1300–50; (noun) Middle English glu, gleu < Old French glu < Latin glūt- (stem of glūs ); cognate with Greek gloiós gum, anything sticky; (v.) Middle English glywen, glewen, derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of glue¹

C14: from Old French glu, from Late Latin glūs; compare Greek gloios

Example Sentences

That’s when Downton and his little Vanderbilt fan club tuned into their weekly football game and found themselves glued to one of the greatest upsets in college football history.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

I also found myself in urgent care needing Dermabond to glue my wound closed a few weeks ago, after scraping my finger.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Sinosure serves as the financial glue that holds the projects together.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Adebayo is Peacemaker’s unconditionally loving best friend, the glue that binds the 11th Street Kids.

Read more on Salon

Gibson said his Parkinson’s diagnosis, which was made official in 2015 after his left arm became glued to his side, has made him appreciate every small wonder.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cement 
• paste 
• plaster