soft palate

noun

: the fold at the back of the hard palate that partially separates the mouth from the pharynx

Examples of soft palate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People with obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring should be especially cautious, because gravity can pull the tongue and soft palate backward and block the airway. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026

Gravity can cause the tongue and soft palate to fall back and obstruct the airway, making breathing harder. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026

Gravity pulls the tongue and soft palate backward in the supine position, which can obstruct the airway. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026

These include breathing problems caused by narrowed nares or nostrils, long soft palates in the roof of the mouth, and a shortened and narrow passage for air which leads to snoring, shortness of breath, and even difficulty breathing when exerted too much or in the heat. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for soft palate

• alate
• ballot
• fallot
• mallet
• palette
• pallet
• shallot

Medical Definition

soft palate

noun

: the membranous and muscular fold suspended from the posterior margin of the hard palate and partially separating the mouth cavity from the pharynx