Phrase guide

palate cleanser

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A serving of food or drink intended to remove food residue from the tongue, typically served between courses so that the diner can more accurately assess a new flavour.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Pickled ginger is used as a palate cleanser between sushi pieces.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Anything that serves as a temporary break or variation from the norm.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.