gluteus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Medical, Fitness/Informal (in short form)
Quick answer
What does “gluteus” mean?
One of the three major muscles in the human buttocks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the three major muscles in the human buttocks.
Commonly used in shortened, informal forms ('glutes') to refer to the buttocks musculature in fitness, medical, and everyday contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. The informal 'glutes' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in technical contexts; slightly informal/colloquial in the shortened form 'glutes'.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency for the full term, equally common for the short form in fitness contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gluteus” in a Sentence
the [gluteus maximus/medius/minimus]a strained [gluteus]to strengthen/target/engage [one's glutes]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gluteus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gluteal region was examined.
- She focused on gluteus activation exercises.
American English
- The gluteal fold is a key landmark.
- He has a gluteus maximus strain.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except perhaps in ergonomics or workplace health discussions.
Academic
Standard in human biology, anatomy, physiology, and sports science papers.
Everyday
Used primarily in the shortened plural form 'glutes' in contexts of exercise, gym talk, or general health.
Technical
Precise anatomical term, often specified as gluteus maximus, medius, or minimus.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gluteus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gluteus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gluteus”
- Using 'gluteus' as a plural (incorrect: 'my gluteus are sore'; correct: 'my glutei/glutes are sore').
- Confusing 'gluteus' (muscle) with 'glut' (an excess).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Gluteus' is the formal, singular anatomical term for one of the buttocks muscles (e.g., gluteus maximus). 'Glutes' is the common, informal plural shorthand used in fitness and everyday contexts to refer to these muscles collectively.
The full term 'gluteus' is low-frequency and primarily used in medical, anatomical, or technical fitness contexts. The shortened form 'glutes' is relatively common in exercise and general health discussions.
In British English, it's /ˈɡluː.ti.əs/ (GLOO-tee-uhs). In American English, it's /ˈɡluː.t̬i.əs/ (GLOO-dee-uhs), with a softer 't' sound that approaches a 'd'.
Yes, but carefully. You have one gluteus maximus muscle on each side. The plural is either the formal Latin 'glutei' (as in 'glutei maximi') or, far more commonly, the English-derived 'glutes'.
One of the three major muscles in the human buttocks.
Gluteus is usually technical, medical, fitness/informal (in short form) in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GLUe to the seat' – the gluteus is the muscle you sit on.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE (e.g., 'fire up your glutes', 'engage the gluteus maximus for power').
Practice
Quiz
In everyday fitness language, the term 'glutes' most commonly refers to: