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

My tween self wrote a letter to myself stating that my ideal person would have a crooked smile, a sense of humor, honest eyes and a creative palate. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025

With an international clientele accustomed to dining at the world’s best restaurants, Aspen has also become a magnet for a new wave of chefs eager to impress refined palates. —Sara Rosenthal, The Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2025

Strawberry Champagne Margarita Customizable for the taste palates of every guest, this flavorful margarita boasts sweet, bubbly, and earthy notes. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2025

But a couple of years ago, the brand launched its Foundation lineup of non-cask strength bourbons that are lower priced and perhaps easier on the palate for some. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 7 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

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