glue
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for glue, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sticky substance used to join things together.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use glue
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French glu, from Late Latin glus, tracing back to Latin gluten — the same root that gives us the word "gluten."
Full origin of glue →Frequently asked questions
What does “glue” mean?
The word “glue” means a sticky substance used to join things together. In plain terms, a sticky adhesive, or figuratively, whatever holds something together.
How do you pronounce “glue”?
“Glue” is pronounced gloo (/ɡluː/ in IPA).
How do you use “glue” in a sentence?
Here is “glue” used in a sentence: “He used glue to fix the broken handle back onto the mug.”
What part of speech is “glue”?
Depending on how it is used, “glue” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “glue” come from?
The word “glue” comes from Late Latin. From Old French glu, from Late Latin glus, tracing back to Latin gluten — the same root that gives us the word "gluten.".
Is “glue” a common word?
“Glue” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “glue” have?
“Glue” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sticky substance used to join things together.
What is the difference between 'glue' and 'adhesive'?
Glue is a specific type of sticky substance used to join things together, while adhesive is the broader technical term covering all bonding materials, including tapes, epoxies, and pastes as well as glue. In everyday speech, glue is often used loosely to mean any adhesive, but adhesive is the more precise umbrella term.
What does it mean when someone says a person is 'glued to' a screen?
This is the informal verb sense of glue, meaning to fix one's attention firmly on something. "Glued to the TV" means someone is watching intently and not looking away, using glue figuratively rather than literally.
What is the figurative meaning of 'glue' as a noun?
Figuratively, glue can describe something that holds people or things together, such as "shared values are the glue of the team." This sense extends the literal idea of a sticky bonding substance to relationships, organizations, or ideas.