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 is structured on the palate with a subtle tannic backbone and brisk acidity, showcasing red currant, tobacco, and a savory earthiness typical of Australian Malbec. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

Recovery wasn't easy—especially after his palate repair, which required two separate hospital stays. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025

Reminiscent of a dry Provençal rosé with wonderful minerality and a flutter of tannin that lingers on the palate. —Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025

On the palate the vodka starts with citrus and then finishes with vanilla bean and a hint of buttered toast. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 17 July 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