noun
glutes
GLOOTS
Glutes (noun) means the large muscles of the buttocks, which straighten the hip and power movements such as standing up, climbing and sprinting. Example: “Squats and hip thrusts both work the glutes.”
noun
1
informal, chiefly fitness The large muscles of the buttocks, which straighten the hip and power movements such as standing up, climbing and sprinting.
"Squats and hip thrusts both work the glutes."
"Sitting all day leaves the glutes weak and the hip flexors tight."
How to use glutes
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe muscles in your bottom.
When to use it
Standard gym and physiotherapy vocabulary; in clinical writing the full forms gluteus maximus, medius and minimus are used.
Memory tip
Almost always plural. The singular glute appears mainly in compounds such as glute bridge.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
hamstrings
hip flexors
gluteus maximus
Common pairings
activate the glutes
glute bridge
strong glutes
glute training
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Squats and hip thrusts both work the _____.
Etymology
A shortening of gluteus, from Greek gloutos, 'buttock'.
Synonyms
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gluteal muscles
buttock muscles
Rhymes for glutes
See all rhymes for glutes →Frequently asked questions
What are the three glute muscles?
Gluteus maximus, the large surface muscle that extends the hip; gluteus medius, which sits higher and to the side and stabilises the pelvis when you stand on one leg; and gluteus minimus, the smallest, lying underneath the medius and assisting it.
What is the difference between glutes and hamstrings?
The glutes sit on the back of the hip and mainly extend it. The hamstrings run down the back of the thigh, extending the hip and also bending the knee. Both fire in movements such as a deadlift, which is why weak glutes often leave the hamstrings overworked.
What does 'glute activation' mean?
It refers to warm-up exercises, such as bridges or banded walks, meant to get the glutes firing properly before a heavier lift or a run. The idea is that after long periods of sitting the muscles are slow to engage and other muscles take over the work.
What is the meaning of glutes?
"glutes" (noun) means the large muscles of the buttocks, which straighten the hip and power movements such as standing up, climbing and sprinting.
