Gluten-Free Definition, Uses & Examples

Meaning 1：free of gluten (gluten-free)

gluten-free 🔊

/ˈɡluːtən friː/

adj.

Describing food that does not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Gluten-free label on pasta package in supermarket shelf

free of gluten 🔊

➕

/friː əv ˈɡluːtən/

adj.

Indicating that a food product contains no gluten, a protein composite found in wheat, barley, and rye, making it safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

'Gluten' from Latin gluten (glue), 'free' from Old English freo (not containing).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Glue' + 'free' = no glue in your food! Imagine a bread slice that doesn't stick together.

📖 Example

I need to check if this soup is gluten-free before ordering, as I have an intolerance. 🔊 I need to check if this soup is gluten-free before ordering, as I have an intolerance.

🔗 Collocations

gluten-free diet – A diet that excludes all foods containing gluten.

gluten-free products – Food items made without gluten ingredients.

gluten-free label – A certification mark indicating no gluten present.

🔄 Synonyms

celiac-safe (adj.) – Suitable for consumption by people with celiac disease.

wheat-free (adj.) – Containing no wheat, though may contain other gluten sources.

grain-free (adj.) – Free from all grains, including those containing gluten.

🚫 Antonyms

gluten-containing (adj.) – Containing gluten protein.

gluten-rich (adj.) – High in gluten content.

wheat-based (adj.) – Made from wheat, which contains gluten.

📖 Cultural Story

Gluten, from Latin for glue, is a protein in wheat. 'Gluten-free' became common in the 1990s for people with celiac disease, now a standard dietary label worldwide.