glue
/ɡluː/ (bre, ipa) · /ɡluː/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈglü/ (ame, mw)
glue — noun
1. a thick, sticky substance that you spread on surfaces to make them stick togethe
a thick, sticky substance that you spread on surfaces to make them stick together permanently, used for repairing broken objects or making things by hand
Linh used strong glue to fix the broken handle on her favourite mug.
collocation: strong glue / tube of glue
A tube of glue costs very little at the stationery shop near Jiwoo's school.
countable: a tube of glue
The carpenter spread glue along the edge of the wood before joining the two boards.
Ezra spilled glue on the kitchen table and wiped it up with a damp cloth.
This type of glue dries clear, so it works well for repairing glass objects at home.
- adhesive
more formal and technical; used in industrial or scientific contexts rather than everyday speech
- paste
a softer, often water-based adhesive used mainly for paper and wallpaper, not as strong as glue
- cement
used for very strong bonding of materials like rubber, plastic, or metal; implies greater strength than glue
文法句型
a tube/bottle/jar of glue
glue + [noun: bottle/tube/type]
[verb: apply/spread/use] + glue
用法筆記
Uncountable when referring to the substance in general ('She bought some glue'), but countable when referring to specific types or products ('There are many glues on the market').
常見錯誤
2. a person, quality, or activity that keeps a group of people united and feeling c
a person, quality, or activity that keeps a group of people united and feeling connected to one another — for example, a family member who organises gatherings, or a shared tradition that everyone values
Music has been the glue that holds the three sisters together despite living in different countries.
pattern: the glue that holds [group] together
For the team, shared goals were the glue that kept them moving in the same direction.
In Zuri's family, Sunday dinners are the glue that connects four generations around one table.
Storytelling served as the glue that united the villagers across different age groups and backgrounds.
- divider
something that pushes people apart rather than bringing them together
文法句型
the glue that holds/binds/keeps [something] together
[possessive] + glue
用法筆記
Always used with 'the' or a possessive determiner ('their glue'). The metaphor describes an abstract binding force — never a physical substance. Typically followed by a relative clause ('that holds…', 'that keeps…', 'that connects…').
常見錯誤
glue — verb
- gluepresent simple I / you / we / they
- glues3rd person singular
- gluing-ing form
- gluedpast simple
1. to stick one thing to another using glue, usually by spreading the substance on
to stick one thing to another using glue, usually by spreading the substance on one surface and pressing it against another
Anthony carefully glued the torn page back into his notebook before class started.
pattern: glue [object] back into [place]
Defne glued coloured paper onto a cardboard box to make a gift box for her mother.
pattern: glue [object] onto [surface]
The model aeroplane instructions say to glue the wings onto the body before painting the plane.
Emma glued the broken cup pieces together, but a thin crack was still visible on the side.
The wooden chair was carefully glued back together by Ilan, who learned woodworking from his father.
- stick
less specific — can describe any method of attachment, not only with glue; more common in everyday speech
- paste
used mainly for attaching paper with a soft, wet adhesive; implies a different type of substance
- bond
more formal and technical; suggests a strong, permanent attachment, often of industrial materials
文法句型
glue + [noun: object] + to/onto + [noun: surface]
glue + [plural noun: objects] + together
glue + [noun: object] + back + [preposition]
passive: be glued + [prepositional phrase]
用法筆記
The object is always the thing being attached, not the glue itself ('glue the handle', not 'glue the glue'). Use 'glue [object] to [surface]' when the attachment point matters; use 'glue [objects] together' when two items are joined symmetrically.
常見錯誤
2. to stay in one place or keep looking at something without moving, as if you were
to stay in one place or keep looking at something without moving, as if you were attached there with glue — for example, watching a very exciting film or reading an absorbing news report
Felipe was glued to the television during the final match of the football tournament.
pattern: be glued to the television
Aarav's eyes were glued to the screen as he typed the last section of his report.
pattern: eyes be glued to [screen]
The children stayed glued to the window, watching the first snowfall of the winter season.
Chiara sat glued to her seat through all three hours of the film without moving.
Each time a new episode comes out, Linh stays glued to her phone until it ends.
- riveted
stronger and more formal; suggests fascination rather than just stillness
- fixated
implies an almost obsessive focus; can sound more clinical or negative
- transfixed
suggests being unable to move due to shock, surprise, or wonder rather than interest
文法句型
be glued to + [noun: screen/TV/seat/spot]
remain/stay + glued to + [noun]
eyes + be glued to + [noun]
用法筆記
Almost always used in the passive or as a past participle adjective ('be glued to', 'remained glued to', 'stayed glued to'). The active form ('The show glued him to the sofa') is possible but much less common. Common with body parts ('eyes glued to', 'ears glued to') and with screens ('TV', 'phone', 'computer').