palate

noun

pal·​ate ˈpa-lət 

1

: the roof of the mouth separating the mouth from the nasal cavity see hard palate, soft palate

2

a

: a usually intellectual taste or liking

too ornate for my palate

… I heard a little too much preaching … and lost my palate for it.

—George Eliot

b

: the sense of taste

serves Korean food adapted for the American palate

Examples of palate in a Sentence

The restaurant serves Korean food adapted for the American palate.

She's been working hard on a menu that will please the palates of all her guests.

Recent Examples on the Web

From classic favorites like burgers with fries and perfectly cooked steaks to more adventurous delicacies like caviar and escargot, there's something to delight every palate. —Christine Chitnis, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2024

Lead and lead-free crystal require more care than glass but provide a delicate touch to enhance your palate with each sip. —Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2024

Despite having spent so long in new oak, which can sometimes overwhelm a spirit, the palate is a spicy fruit bowl that is bursting with fresh red berries, orange, apple, vanilla, black pepper, and chocolate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 May 2024

The goal here is to open your palate, and yourself, up for the meal to come, and an apéro is no apéro at all without a snack. —Rebekah Peppler, New York Times, 17 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin palatum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing palate

• cleanse the palate
• cleft palate
• hard palate
• soft palate

Kids Definition

palate

noun

pal·​ate ˈpal-ət 

1

: the roof of the mouth that separates the mouth from the nasal cavity and is made up of a bony front part and a soft flexible back part

2

: the sense of taste

Medical Definition

palate

noun

pal·​ate ˈpal-ət 

: the roof of the mouth separating the mouth from the nasal cavity see hard palate, soft palate