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.
Silky tannins in the mid palate support flavors of cocoa, black raspberry, and plum. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 30 July 2026 The result is a layered progression that keeps your palate engaged from the first bite to the last. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 From the classics to the creatives, read on to discover the summer bourbon recipe that best suits your palate. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Expect a Kenny’s Classics craft cocktail at $13 each to suit each palate and a long line because of them. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Nglish: Translation of palate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about palate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All