palatable

Summary

Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day – “Palatable”

Date: June 1, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski

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Overview

In this episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski dives into the meaning, usage, and etymology of the word "palatable." Listeners are treated to insightful examples, helpful memory tricks, and a brief exploration of related words. The episode also highlights how "palatable" is used both literally (with food) and figuratively (with ideas).

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction of the Word

• Definition & Spelling
  • [00:43] “Today’s word is palatable, spelled P-A-L-A-T-A-B-L-E. Palatable is an adjective. It describes something that has a pleasant or agreeable taste or that is pleasant or acceptable to someone.” (Peter Sokolowski)

Usage Examples

• Literary Example
  • [00:55] “Here’s the word used in a sentence from the news: ‘Toni Morrison’s work was not meant to be a palatable salve. Instead, surprise and provocation are the ingredients of her fiction.’” (Peter Sokolowski)

Memory Tricks and Etymology

• Associative Memory

  • [01:12] “It may be a coincidence that you can’t spell the word palatable without all of the letters in plate. The two words are etymologically unrelated, but this fact may help you remember that palatable is synonymous with a host of words that can describe an enjoyable meal, from tasty to toothsome.” (Peter Sokolowski)

• Connection to Palate

  • [01:25] “Alternatively, you could just stick your finger in your mouth and touch the roof of your mouth, that is to say, your palate. As the palate was once considered the seat of one’s sense of taste, so the word palate eventually came to refer to both a literal and figurative sense of taste, as in architecture: ‘Too ornate for my palate.’” (Peter Sokolowski)

• Development of the Word

  • [01:42] “The adjective palatable arose from palate via the now rare verb palate, defined in our unabridged dictionary as ‘to taste or relish’ in the 17th century and functions similarly.” (Peter Sokolowski)

Literal and Figurative Use

• Food and Ideas

  • [01:54] “Seasonings from adobo to za’atar make food more palatable, certainly. But ideas and advice can be made more palatable, too.” (Peter Sokolowski)

• Cultural Reference

  • [02:04] “As a wise woman once sang, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” (Peter Sokolowski, referencing Mary Poppins)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[Palatable] describes something that has a pleasant or agreeable taste or that is pleasant or acceptable to someone.” (00:43, Peter Sokolowski)
• “Toni Morrison’s work was not meant to be a palatable salve. Instead, surprise and provocation are the ingredients of her fiction.” (00:55, Example sentence)
• “Seasonings from adobo to za’atar make food more palatable, certainly. But ideas and advice can be made more palatable, too.” (01:54, Peter Sokolowski)
• “As a wise woman once sang, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” (02:04, Peter Sokolowski)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:43: Word introduction and definition
• 00:55: Usage example with Toni Morrison
• 01:12: Memory trick with “plate” and synonyms
• 01:25: Etymology: “palate” connection
• 01:42: Historical development from verb “palate”
• 01:54: Literal and figurative uses in food and ideas
• 02:04: Memorable cultural reference

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Final Note

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day makes “palatable” memorable and useful both for foodies and anyone looking to sweeten their communication. The clear definitions, historical context, and clever memory aids ensure listeners walk away with a full understanding of “palatable”—and how to make things just a little more so.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

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[C]

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[B]

today's word is palatable, spelled P A L A T A B L E. Palatable is an adjective. It describes something that has a pleasant or agreeable taste or that is pleasant or acceptable to someone. Here's the word used in a sentence from the new Toni Morrison's work was not meant to be a palatable save. Instead, surprise and provocation are the ingredients of her fiction. It may be a coincidence that you can't spell the word palatable without all of the letters in plate. The two words are etymologically unrelated, but this fact may help you remember that palatable is synonymous with a host of words that can describe an enjoyable meal, from tasty to toothsome. Alternatively, you could just stick your finger in your mouth and touch the roof of your mouth, that is to say, your palate. As the palate was once considered the seat of one's sense of taste, so the word palate eventually came to refer to both a literal and figurative sense of taste, as in architecture. Too ornate for my palate. The adjective palatable arose from palate via the now rare verb palate, defined in our unabridged dictionary adjectives as to taste or relish in the 17th century and functions. Similarly, seasonings from adobo to zaatar make food more palatable, certainly. But ideas and advice can be made more palatable, too. As a wise woman once sang, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down with your word of the day. I'm Peter Sokolowski.

[A]

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