First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1taste
verb \ˈtāst\
: to have a particular taste
: to sense the flavor of (something that you are eating or drinking)
: to put a small amount of (food or drink) in your mouth in order to find out what its flavor is
tast·edtast·ing
Full Definition of TASTE
transitive verb
1
: to become acquainted with by experience <has tasted the frustration of defeat>
2
: to ascertain the flavor of by taking a little into the mouth
3
: to eat or drink especially in small quantities
4
: to perceive or recognize as if by the sense of taste
5
archaic : appreciate, enjoy
intransitive verb
1
: to eat or drink a little
2
: to test the flavor of something by taking a small part into the mouth
3
: to have perception, experience, or enjoyment : partake —often used with of
4
: to have a specific flavor <the apple tastes sour>
See taste defined for English-language learners
See taste defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TASTE
Middle English, to touch, test, taste, from Anglo-French taster, from Vulgar Latin *taxitare, frequentative of Latin taxare to touch, feel — more at tax
Related to TASTE
2taste
noun
: the sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a thing that you can sense when it is in your mouth : the flavor that you can taste when you eat or drink something
: the ability to notice or recognize flavors when you eat or drink : the ability to taste things
: a small amount of food or drink that you have in order to see how it tastes
Full Definition of TASTE
1
obsolete : test
2
3
: the special sense that perceives and distinguishes the sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance and is mediated by taste buds on the tongue
4
: the objective sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance as perceived by the sense of taste
5
a : a sensation obtained from a substance in the mouth that is typically produced by the stimulation of the sense of taste combined with those of touch and smell : flavor b : the distinctive quality of an experience <that gruesome scene left a bad taste in my mouth>
6
: individual preference : inclination
7
a : critical judgment, discernment, or appreciation b : manner or aesthetic quality indicative of such discernment or appreciation
See taste defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TASTE
14th century
TASTE Defined for Kids
1taste
verb \ˈtāst\
tast·edtast·ing
Definition of TASTE for Kids
1
: to find out the flavor of something by taking a little into the mouth <He has never tasted mango.>
2
: to have a certain flavor <The milk tastes sour.>
3
: to recognize by the sense of taste <I can taste salt in the soup.>
4
: to eat or drink usually in small amounts <May I taste your dessert?>
2taste
noun
Definition of TASTE for Kids
1
: the sense by which sweet, sour, bitter, or salty flavors are detected through sense organs (taste buds) in the tongue
2
: the quality of something recognized by the sense of taste or by this together with smell and touch : flavor <The fruit had a bitter taste.>
3
: a small amount tasted <Do you want a taste of the ice cream?>
4
: a personal liking <My sister has very expensive tastes.>
5
: the ability to choose and enjoy what is good or beautiful <He has good taste in clothes.>
6
: a sample of what something is like <… give them a taste of what you can do and you're in, performing for the crowd … — Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust>
Learn More About TASTE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up taste? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).