aftertaste

noun

af·​ter·​taste ˈaf-tər-ˌtāst How to pronounce aftertaste (audio)
Synonyms of aftertastenext
: persistence of a sensation (as of flavor or an emotion) after the stimulating agent or experience has gone

Examples of aftertaste in a Sentence

The wine has a smooth aftertaste.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then try the mussels, served with a fresh baguette and swimming in broth that leaves the perfect amount of coconut aftertaste on your tongue, encouraging just one more bite. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026 Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Brownie Fudgy texture, nice amount of cocoa, and not too sweet, but a bit of an artificial aftertaste. Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 17 Apr. 2026 The term, still in circulation, comes from the long aftertaste of Great Britain’s annexation of the Boer republics and the two South African Wars. Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026 There’s no shortage of stylish craft here and much to enjoy in the performances, but ultimately, Rosebush Pruning is too glib to work, leaving only an acrid aftertaste. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aftertaste

Word History

Etymology

after- + taste entry 2

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aftertaste was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aftertaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftertaste. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

aftertaste

noun
af·​ter·​taste -ˌtāst How to pronounce aftertaste (audio)
: a sensation (as of flavor) continuing after the stimulus causing it has ended

Medical Definition

aftertaste

noun
af·​ter·​taste -ˌtāst How to pronounce aftertaste (audio)
: persistence of a sensation (as of flavor or an emotion) after the stimulating agent or experience has gone

More from Merriam-Webster on aftertaste

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster