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 vermouth’s herbal notes blend with the bitter tonic for a refreshing way to whet the palate before a meal. —Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Aromas of raspberry and orange blossom prepare the palate for delicate flavors of cherry, nectarine, rose petal, and a soft hint of baking spice. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 19 June 2026

Sourced mostly from South Island regions, the exemplary onboard wine selection is balanced enough to cater to a variety of palates. —Steve Madgwick, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026

Ladeira uses a mister to spray the plate with housemade rose vinegar to give a whiff of funky brightness without shocking the palate. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026

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