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.
But between navigating selective palates, food allergies, social media-worthy lunchbox inspiration, food noise, and the inevitable comparisons with classmates, striking a balance between sustenance and satisfaction can quickly become overwhelming. — Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026 Consequently, the rapid temperature change and accompanying constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the palate can produce a stronger pain signal than in individuals without migraine, resulting in a more pronounced headache. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 To a Western palate, Surena’s food can seem both far-flung and noticeably familiar. — Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026 Silky tannins in the mid palate support flavors of cocoa, black raspberry, and plum. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 30 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 16 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of palate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about palate

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