# glue

/ˈɡɫu/ (US) · /ɡlˈuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/glue
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. adhesive substance

noun · CEFR A2

a sticky substance that you use to join two things together.

For teachers: a sticky substance, such as a gelatin or synthetic polymer, used as an adhesive to join surfaces.

- He used a strong glue to fix the broken handle on his favorite mug.
- The carpenter applied a thin layer of wood glue to the joints before clamping the chair frame together for the night.

### 2. figurative bond

noun · CEFR B2

something that keeps people or things together in a strong way.

For teachers: a figurative force or shared interest that binds individuals or groups together.

- In many families, the grandmother is the glue that keeps everyone together.
- Shared values and a common history often act as the social glue that prevents a community from fracturing during times of crisis.

### 3. plant secretion

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a sticky liquid found on the surface of some plants.

For teachers: a viscid or mucilaginous secretion produced on the surface of certain botanical species.

- The insect got stuck in the sticky glue on the plant's leaves.
- Certain carnivorous plants produce a specialized glue to trap unsuspecting insects on their glandular hairs.

### 4. to stick things together

verb · CEFR A2

to join two things using a sticky substance.

For teachers: to join or attach surfaces using an adhesive agent. Transitive use requiring a direct object.

- The children spent the afternoon gluing colorful shapes onto their posters.
- The technician carefully glued the delicate sensor to the hull of the aircraft to ensure accurate data collection during the flight.

### 5. to watch closely

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to look at something with all your attention, as if you cannot move away.

For teachers: to fix one's attention or gaze steadily on something. Often used in the passive voice or with reflexive pronouns.

- The kids were glued to the TV while their favorite cartoon was on.
- During the final minutes of the championship game, every spectator in the stadium was glued to the giant screen awaiting the referee's decision.

## Examples

- I used glue to fix the broken toy.
- The children used sticks of purple glue to attach their drawings to the classroom wall.
- While traditional woodworkers often prefer animal-based hide glue for its reversibility, modern construction projects typically rely on high-strength synthetic adhesives for permanent structural bonds.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.