taste bud

noun

: an end organ mediating the sensation of taste and lying chiefly in the epithelium of the tongue

Examples of taste bud in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Time to get a little adventurous with your taste buds. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025

While protein may never be as delicious as candy bars, these picks will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. —Megan Wahn, Bon Appétit, 3 Feb. 2025

Kirin Electric Salt Spoon Low-sodium food is better for you, but not your taste buds. —Chandra Steele, PCMAG, 8 Jan. 2025

According to McCormick's 2025 Flavor Forecast, our taste buds will also be heading to the tropics, enjoying smoky flavors, and finding comfort in the unexpected. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

taste bud

noun

: any of the sense organs by means of which taste is recognized and which are usually on the surface of the tongue

Medical Definition

taste bud

noun

: an end organ that mediates the sensation of taste, lies chiefly in the epithelium of the tongue and especially in the walls of the circumvallate papillae, and consists of a conical or flask-shaped mass made up partly of supporting cells and partly of neuroepithelial sensory cells terminating peripherally in short hairlike processes which project into the pore in the overlying epithelium and by which communication with the mouth cavity is effected