What does gluteal mean?
Gluteal is an anatomical word meaning relating to the gluteal muscles, the group of muscles forming the buttock. In its principal adjectival use, it appears in expressions such as “gluteal muscles,” “gluteal region,” and “gluteal strain.” The adjective is especially common in medicine, physiotherapy, anatomy, and sports science, where clear anatomical precision is useful. “Gluteal” can also function as a noun for a muscle of the buttock, although this use is less frequent than the adjective and may sound technical outside clinical or anatomical contexts. The best-known gluteal muscle is the gluteus maximus, a broad muscle that helps extend the hip and stabilize the pelvis. Overall, gluteal is a formal, neutral, and anatomically specific term, offering a more precise alternative to less clinical expressions such as “buttock muscle.”
Relating to or concerning the gluteal muscles or the buttock.
"The scan showed inflammation in the gluteal region."
This is the dominant and most natural use of the word.
A muscle of the buttock, especially one of the gluteal muscles.
"The gluteal is one of the body’s most powerful muscles."
The noun use is uncommon in general usage and is chiefly found in anatomical or clinical contexts.
The plural is used when referring to more than one gluteal muscle; it is much less common than the adjective form.
"The trainer explained how the gluteals work together during a sprint."
Gluteal is the precise anatomical term for the powerful muscles that make sitting, standing, and running possible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gluteal come from?
The word derives from Latin gluteus, meaning “buttock,” which in turn comes from Greek gloutos, also meaning “buttock.” English developed the adjective gluteal from the Latin stem, and the related noun glute is a shortened modern form associated with the same anatomical root. The related English noun glutes and the plural form glutei are also based on this Latin terminology.
Related word forms
How gluteal is actually used
Gluteal is primarily a technical term used in medicine, anatomy, physiotherapy, and sports science. It is neutral and formal, while the noun use is less common in general speech.
Easily confused with gluteal
Gluteal is usually an adjective meaning 'relating to the buttock muscles,' whereas gluteus is the anatomical noun for one of those muscles.