palate

noun

pal·​ate ˈpa-lət How to pronounce palate (audio)
Synonyms of palatenext
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
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.
Official tasting notes describe notes of dark chocolate, nuts, berries, and a subtle sweetness on the palate. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026 Otherwise, there’s definitely a family-friendly element to the hotel (the whole storybook feel screams childhood), though the food options may be a little bit advanced for a kids’ palate. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 Grown-up gourmands No offense to toddlers, but our palates have evolved beyond sugary fruit snacks. — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026 The study said the object, which left a greenish discoloration on her palate, was unlikely to be a coin, as the proportions of copper to gold did not correspond to those found in historical alloys. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for palate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin palatum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing palate

Rhymes for palate

See All Rhymes for palate

Browse Nearby Words

palatal law
palate
palateful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Palate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

palate

noun
pal·​ate ˈpal-ət How to pronounce palate (audio)
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 How to pronounce palate (audio)
: the roof of the mouth separating the mouth from the nasal cavity see hard palate, soft palate

More from Merriam-Webster on palate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for palate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about palate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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