gluey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gluey" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
It can be used to describe something that is sticky or has a glue-like consistency, often in a casual context. Example: "The mixture became gluey after I added too much water, making it difficult to work with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both men remembered, more than anything, the mud: "sticky, gluey mud", "mud crusted with blood", in which men sank and horses drowned.

The Economist

Various methods were tried over the years to arrest the consequent decay, but it was not until the 1950s that the painting was sealed it was then thought for good by a gluey fixative that set hard like plastic.Yet signs of imminent calamity were evident again two decades later, and in 1978 Ms Brambilla was charged with saving the work and, where possible, correcting overlays by earlier restorers.

The Economist

Or a croissant, crisp as thin caramel on the outside, breaking into slightly gluey, buttery white flakes.

The Economist

The membranous matter (greaves) is separated from the aqueous (gluey) phase by pressing in hydraulic or screw presses; additional fat is thereby obtained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most straightforward works like a big inkjet printer – but instead of squirting one layer of ink on a page, it goes on squirting layer after layer of a gluey plastic solution which solidifies until a full, tangible object is printed.

Independent

He imagines that fellow poet John Keats has joined him at the table because "due to its glutinous texture, gluey lumpishness, hint of slime,/and unusual willingness to disintegrate, oatmeal should/not be eaten alone".

Independent

Slicing the potatoes may seem like extra hassle but doing so seems to work best: the potato starch doesn't get messed up and your mash is fluffy not gluey.

Independent

Despite the best efforts of those advisers, it has since got bogged down, partly due to UK fears of nuclear proliferation, but mainly because legislative issues in Holland are proving somewhat gluey.

Independent

As opening rounds go, a 73, three over par, was by no means a bad start by Woods, who, as usual, dragged a large crowd around this dampened, gluey course.

Independent

What happened is that the great gluey goop that is Google shifted in some small way, and a writer and reporter who was helping me out, Michelle Dean, happened to re-Google the phrase the month before my book was to be published.

The New Yorker

(The signature of a good, serious TV drama is, ironically, a sense of humor: if it's glum and gluey, run for it).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "gluey" to convey an undesirable texture resulting from improper cooking or ingredient ratios. For example, avoid "gluey" mashed potatoes by not overworking them.

Common error

While "gluey" is descriptive, it is informal. In formal writing, consider using "viscous" or "adhesive" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gluey" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their texture or consistency. Ludwig examples show its use to describe mud, food, and other substances with a sticky, adhesive quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "gluey" effectively describes substances that are sticky and viscous. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in describing textures of food, mud, or other materials. While readily found across various sources, including news and media, encyclopedias, and even scientific contexts, it's generally regarded as informal, with more formal alternatives like "viscous" or "adhesive" available for professional settings. When describing food textures or physical properties, consider the slightly negative connotation that the word may bring. By varying language and being mindful of the context, effective communication using the adjective "gluey" can be achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sticky

A general term for something that adheres easily to surfaces.

viscous

Describes a thick, flowing consistency, like honey.

viscid

Almost identical to viscous, but slightly less common.

glutinous

Describes a sticky, glue-like quality, often in the context of food.

mucilaginous

Refers to substances containing mucilage, which is slimy and gluey.

gummy

Implies a sticky and slightly elastic texture.

tacky

Similar to sticky, but often implies a slightly less intense stickiness.

pasty

Describes a thick, smooth, and slightly adhesive texture.

adhesive

Refers to the property of sticking or adhering to a surface.

tenacious

Describes something that holds together strongly or adheres firmly.

FAQs

What does "gluey" mean?

"Gluey" describes something with a sticky, viscous, or adhesive consistency, similar to glue.

What are synonyms for "gluey"?

Synonyms for "gluey" include "sticky", "viscous", "gummy", and "glutinous".

How can I use "gluey" in a sentence?

You might say, "The sauce had a "gluey" texture because it was over-thickened with cornstarch" or "The mud was so "gluey" that it stuck to our boots".

Is it better to say "gluey" or "sticky"?

Both "gluey" and "sticky" are acceptable, but "gluey" often implies a thicker, more viscous consistency than "sticky". Choose the word that best fits the context.