taste bud

noun

1. one of numerous small, flask-shaped bodies, chiefly in the epithelium of the tongue, which are the end organs for the sense of taste.

taste bud

noun

1. any of the elevated oval-shaped sensory end organs on the surface of the tongue, by means of which the sensation of taste is experienced

taste bud

/ tāst /

1. Any of numerous sense organs in most vertebrate animals that are specialized to detect taste. Taste buds are sensitive to four types of taste: sweet, sour, salty, or bitter. In land vertebrates, the taste buds are found on the surface of the tongue. Fish have taste buds all over their bodies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of taste bud¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

What I didn’t know then — and have since learned — is that what was delighting my taste buds was a Mexican chili oil with roots in Orizaba, Veracruz, known as salsa macha.

From Los Angeles Times

I pick and choose depending on how my taste buds go.

From Los Angeles Times

“When your taste buds change and realize, ‘Hey, I really like these things and I have good memories of sharing them with my family.’”

From Salon

Chain is designed to rekindle memories in a way that excites your now-sophisticated taste buds.

From Los Angeles Times

The food is approachable but will expand your palate and excite your taste buds.

From Salon