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

It’s designed with Japanese quality standards, not for gaijin (or outsider) palates, to which many of the chain hotels in Kyoto are increasingly appealing. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026

The second release was a reposado version of this symphony barrel maturation, and to my palate this tequila was a bit raw and woody. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026

The Angel’s Envy Series Cask Strength Bourbon's taste profile begins with cherry cordial and salted caramel that lead into a rich, layered palate of apple cider, red wine notes, and creamy ganache. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026

Gouda’s is ready to welcome new and returning foodies to its permanent home this weekend, and Johnson promises there’s something for every palate. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 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