gluteus maximus

noun

gluteus max·​i·​mus -ˈmak-sə-məs 

plural glutei maximi -ˈmak-sə-ˌmī 

: the outermost muscle of the three glutei found in each of the human buttocks

Examples of gluteus maximus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Specifically, this exercise really fires up your gluteus maximus (your biggest butt muscle) as well as your gluteus medius, a smaller muscle that forms your side butt, Femi Betiku, PT, DPT, CSCS, a physical therapist and Pilates instructor in Westchester, New York, tells SELF. —Christa Sgobba, SELF, 11 Dec. 2024

The primary movers during this lift are the posterior chain muscles, specifically the gluteus maximus (butt muscles), hamstrings, and erector spinae of the lower back (muscles on either side of the spine). —Jakob Roze, Health, 5 Dec. 2024

Perform 10 repetitions on each leg. Prone Prone leg lifts target your hamstrings and gluteus maximus. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024

The hip extensors include the gluteus maximus and hamstrings. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, largest gluteus

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gluteus maximus

noun

glu·​te·​us max·​i·​mus

ˈglüt-ē-əs-ˈmak-sə-məs,

glü-ˈtē-

plural glutei maximi

ˈglüt-ē-ˌī-ˈmak-sə-ˌmī,

glü-ˈtē-

: the largest and outermost of the three major muscles in each of the human buttocks that extends the thigh and rotates it to the side

Medical Definition

gluteus maximus

noun

gluteus max·​i·​mus -ˈmak-sə-məs 

plural glutei maximi -sə-ˌmī 

: the outermost of the three muscles in each buttock that arises from the sacrum, coccyx, back part of the ilium and adjacent structures, that is inserted into the fascia lata of the thigh and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur, and that acts to extend and laterally rotate the thigh