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

And though the palate is sweet with vanilla and brûléed sugars, saccharine notes evolve into herbaceous threads of tobacco leaf in a lengthy finish. —Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Notably, a childhood dental procedure inadvertently shaped her palate. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2025

Full and round, this wine is energized by twin veins of acidity and minerality wrapped around citrus and smoke flavors that linger on the palate long after the last sip. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2025

These treats have evolved from simple confections to gourmet delights that cater to a sophisticated palate. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 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