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

The palate is rich, oily, and full-bodied, with a long, warming finish. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

There’s something darker—and more intoxicating—to explore in the palates of villains, and in the ties between growing appetites and criminal tendencies. —Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 24 Oct. 2024

Bright raspberry and bing cherry notes on the palate give way to a satiny texture and elegant polished structure. —Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Eleven Eleven 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is made from grapes sourced from the Melrose Vineyard in the Rutherford AVA and has aromas of tropical fruits, lemon zest, and white peach that morph to flavors of pineapple, mango, pink peppercorn, and lemon pith on the palate. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 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