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

That balance of old and young spirits yields a palate that leads with sweet vanilla and cherry notes and ends with baking spice and ripe apple, a must try for Japanese-whisky fans. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 June 2025

Umami, the delicious fifth flavor of the palate, is an integral part of Japanese cuisine. —Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 12 June 2025

Over the years, the dish has become sweeter and richer with pork to match Korean palates. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025

From local beers to world-class wines to a large list of Kentucky bourbons, there's something for every taste and palate. —Karla Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2025

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