palate
PAL-uht
Palate (noun) means the roof of the mouth, separating the mouth from the nasal cavity. Example: “The dentist examined the roof of his palate.”
noun
1
The roof of the mouth, separating the mouth from the nasal cavity.
"The dentist examined the roof of his palate."
2
A person's sense of taste, especially their ability to distinguish subtle flavours.
"Years of tasting wine had sharpened her palate."
3
A liking or taste for something, often figurative.
"The critic has little palate for slapstick comedy."
How to use palate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe roof of your mouth, or your ability to appreciate different flavours.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "palette" (an artist's board of colours) or "pallet" (a platform for stacking goods) — all three sound alike but mean completely different things.
Common pairings
a refined palate
cleft palate
please the palate
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like palate.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- palates
- Third person singular
- palates
- Past tense
- palated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dentist examined the roof of his _____.
Etymology
From Latin palatum, "roof of the mouth," possibly of Etruscan origin, reaching English via Old French and Middle English.
Synonyms
View more →
roof of the mouth
Rhymes for palate
See all rhymes for palate →Frequently asked questions
What does “palate” mean?
The word “palate” means the roof of the mouth, separating the mouth from the nasal cavity. In plain terms, the roof of your mouth, or your ability to appreciate different flavours.
How do you pronounce “palate”?
“Palate” is pronounced PAL-uht (/ˈpæl.ət/ in IPA).
How do you use “palate” in a sentence?
Here is “palate” used in a sentence: “The dentist examined the roof of his palate.”
What part of speech is “palate”?
“Palate” is a noun.
Where does the word “palate” come from?
The word “palate” comes from Latin. From Latin palatum, "roof of the mouth," possibly of Etruscan origin, reaching English via Old French and Middle English.
Is “palate” a common word?
“Palate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “palate” have?
“Palate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the roof of the mouth, separating the mouth from the nasal cavity.
