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 smooth with flavors of honey, toffee, and oak. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

There is a richness and complexity to the palate, which strikes an amazing balance between subtle spice and deep vanilla and oak notes. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2025

For intense sports fans, a win from a favorite team can be a palate cleanser. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025

Just steps from the White House, which will soon be occupied by a new president with ardent ideas about immigration, the restaurant illustrates the influence of global cuisine, showcasing how immigrants have shaped the American palate. —Korsha Wilson, New York Times, 17 Jan. 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