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

Midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Paso Robles AVA offers something for everyone, with over 60 grape varieties, 200 wineries, and a charming downtown that has accommodations to suit all tastes and an array of restaurants sure to please every palate. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2025

Blueberry and vanilla ice cream leads on the palate, with a creamy mouthfeel and light touches of oak. —David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

Oldies like the Mamas and the Pappas and Johnny Cash, picked up from his father, showcase the broad and vibrant palate in his life. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025

Of course, Southerner's may feel that Red Lobster's hush puppies are more suited to their palate. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for palate

• alate
• ballot
• fallot
• mallet
• palette
• pallet
• shallot

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