1
a
: a specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body compare endocrine gland, exocrine gland
b
: any of various animal structures suggestive of glands though not secretory in function
2
: any of various secreting organs (such as a nectary) of plants
1
: a device for preventing leakage of fluid past a joint in machinery
2
: the movable part of a stuffing box by which the packing is compressed
Examples of gland in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sherri Gordon, Health, 18 June 2025
According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the prostate—a gland in the male reproductive system that adds fluid to semen.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 19 May 2025
When the gland’s duct is blocked, a swelling or stye may result.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Per the Cleveland Clinic, the autoimmune disorder affects the thyroid gland, resulting in the overproduction of the thyroid hormone, also known as hyperthyroidism, the most common cause of which is Graves’ disease.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 14 June 2025
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Noun
These glands are primarily eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, with quite a few in your armpits.2
Your apocrine sweat glands are typically the ones associated with smelly armpits and that odorous sweat smell.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 18 June 2025
According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the prostate—a gland in the male reproductive system that adds fluid to semen.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 19 May 2025
When the gland’s duct is blocked, a swelling or stye may result.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Per the Cleveland Clinic, the autoimmune disorder affects the thyroid gland, resulting in the overproduction of the thyroid hormone, also known as hyperthyroidism, the most common cause of which is Graves’ disease.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gland
Cite this Entry
“Gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gland. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
gland
noun1
: a cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body
2
: any of various animal structures (as a lymph node) suggestive of glands though not secretory in function
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