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

Hovering somewhere between solid and liquid, mozzarella di bufala erupts on the palate with an electric acidity that cuts through its concentrated, velvety curd. —Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

There are hot drinks, cold drinks, non-caffeinated drinks, sandwiches and salads for all palates and vegetarian and vegan options as well, Reynolds-Tyler said. —Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 10 June 2026

Look for notes of toffee, caramel, figs, and candied fruit on the palate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 June 2026

The five-course dinner customized to each guest’s palate, preferences, and dietary restrictions is served in a quiet corner on the lush outdoor patio. —Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 9 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