noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

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

The roof of the mouth, separating the mouth from the nasal cavity.

"The dentist examined the roof of his palate."

A person's sense of taste, especially their ability to distinguish subtle flavours.

"Years of tasting wine had sharpened her palate."

A liking or taste for something, often figurative.

"The critic has little palate for slapstick comedy."

How to use palate

Learner’s notes

In 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.

Easily confused with

palette → pallet →

Common pairings

a refined palate cleft palate please the palate

Word forms

palated past tense, palates plural, palates singular

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Fill the gap

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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.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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roof of the mouth

Rhymes for palate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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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.