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

The palate is light and approachable, featuring honey, light caramel, white pepper, and green apple flavors. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Harvesting: If using tissue from your mouth, the periodontist will cut out a small piece of inner tissue from the roof of the mouth (or palate). —Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 May 2025

Flor Fina Drawing from the Latin influences of Ybor City and inspired by Mediterranean flavor and flair, Flor Fina’s lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus are filled with dishes that tempt the palate. —Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 1 May 2025

The blanco is stellar, an additive-free tequila with a palate ranging from spicy to earthy to crisp citrus notes. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 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