taster

noun

tast·​er ˈtā-stər How to pronounce taster (audio)
1
: one that tastes: such as
a
: one that tests something (such as tea) for quality by tasting
b
: a person who is able to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide
2
: a device for tasting or sampling

Examples of taster in a Sentence

The magazine printed a taster of the author's new novel.
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.
That’s why our team of expert tasters put 19 breakfast sausages through a blind taste test to determine their favorites. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 May 2026 Her take on pasta salad is anything but expected, and our recipe tasters couldn't get enough. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026 General admission is $70, which includes unlimited samples and a commemorative taster glass. Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 Several tasters noted that this cake had an authentic, buttery taste. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for taster

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of taster was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Taster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taster. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

taster

noun
tast·​er ˈtā-stər How to pronounce taster (audio)
: one that tastes: as
a
: a person who has the duty of tasting food or drink prepared for another person especially to test for poison
b
: a person who is able to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide

Medical Definition

taster

noun
tast·​er ˈtā-stər How to pronounce taster (audio)
: a person able to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide

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