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

This expression is also the same as last year’s version (which made our Best of the Best list) but with a different label, an elegant and subtly smoky single malt with a bit of spice and citrus on the palate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 July 2024

Discover your favorites while learning about the production practices that beekeepers, honey production facilities and honey houses use to bring so many selections to please the palate. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2024

The segment expanded audience members’ knowledge, elevated their palates, and celebrated the unique contributions of underrepresented communities worldwide. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 July 2024

However, the designer furniture bridges the room’s charming antique style to create an enigmatic palate of organic textures, complemented by contemporary artwork and luxury amenities like Casall yoga mats, a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, and a sit-in shower with an Effe steam machine. —Jamie Ditaranto, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2024

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