glutes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Colloquial to Technical. Common in fitness, health, and informal body-focused contexts.
Quick answer
What does “glutes” mean?
The three muscles that form the buttocks: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The term is most commonly used in the plural.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The three muscles that form the buttocks: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The term is most commonly used in the plural.
Informally, the overall shape and musculature of the buttocks, especially when developed through exercise. Can also be used metonymically to refer to physical fitness or a focus on lower-body strength.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is equally understood in both fitness communities.
Connotations
Slightly more clinical or technical connotation in UK English, often directly associated with anatomy or physiotherapy. In US English, the term is more thoroughly integrated into everyday gym/fitness slang.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English due to the larger cultural emphasis on gym culture. In UK English, more informal synonyms like 'bum' are more common in casual conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “glutes” in a Sentence
work + [glutes] (She works her glutes twice a week.)activate + [glutes] (Squats help to activate the glutes.)feel + [pain/discomfort] + in + [glutes] (I feel a pull in my glutes.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glutes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to glute-activate before heavy lifts. (Informal/technical compound verb)
American English
- Make sure you're glute-ing during those bridges! (Highly informal, non-standard gerund from a back-formed verb)
adjective
British English
- The gluteal region was inflamed. (Medical adjective 'gluteal' is standard)
- He's doing a glute-focused routine. (Compound adjective)
American English
- That's a great glute exercise. (Attributive noun used adjectivally)
- She has impressive glute development. (Attributive noun used adjectivally)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like fitness apparel, gym equipment, or physiotherapy clinics.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, physiotherapy, and sports science texts. Otherwise rare.
Everyday
Common in conversations about exercise, gym routines, sports injuries, or physical discomfort.
Technical
Standard term in anatomy, kinesiology, physiotherapy, and personal training.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glutes”
- Using 'glute' as a countable singular in everyday speech ('I pulled a glute') – this is informal and not standard.
- Pronouncing it as /ɡlʌts/ (with a short 'u' as in 'glum') instead of /ɡluːts/ (long 'oo' as in 'glue').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In technical or very casual fitness contexts, 'glute' is sometimes used to refer to one of the gluteal muscles (e.g., 'I strained a glute'). However, the standard and far more common usage is the plural 'glutes', even when referring to the muscle group as a whole. In formal anatomy, use the specific muscle names (gluteus maximus, etc.).
'Glutes' specifically refers to the muscles (gluteus maximus, medius, minimus). 'Buttocks' is a more general anatomical term for the rounded area of flesh, which includes the gluteal muscles, fat, and skin. In informal fitness contexts, they are often used interchangeably, but 'glutes' emphasises the muscular component.
It is acceptable in medical, sports science, or physiotherapy writing. In other formal contexts (e.g., academic essays in humanities, business reports), it would be inappropriate. Use 'gluteal muscles' for greater formality within technical fields, or 'buttocks' for general formal reference to the body part.
The gluteal muscles are among the largest and most powerful in the human body. They are crucial for core stability, posture, hip movement (extension, abduction), and generating force in activities like running, jumping, and lifting. Strengthening them can prevent injuries in the back, hips, and knees.
The three muscles that form the buttocks: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The term is most commonly used in the plural.
Glutes: in British English it is pronounced /ɡluːts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡluːts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Built like a gladiator (from the glutes up). (Informal, humorous)”
- “All glutes and no guts. (Derogatory, implying focus on appearance over substance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GLUES hold things together; your strong GLUTES hold your body together when you lift heavy objects or run.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE / MUSCLES ARE COMPONENTS. ('Engage your glutes for more power.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'glutes' LEAST likely to be used?