taster

[ tey-ster ]

noun

1. a person who tastes, especially one skilled in distinguishing the qualities of liquors, tea, etc., by the taste.
2. a container for taking samples or tasting.
3. a wide shallow cup, usually metal, for holding wine to be tasted, as by a professional taster.
4. a person employed or ordered to taste the food and drink prepared for a king, dictator, etc., to ascertain the presence of poison.
5. Genetics. a person able to taste phenylthiourea or some other test substance.

taster

/ ˈteɪstə /

noun

1. a person who samples food or drink for quality
2. any device used in tasting or sampling
3. a person employed, esp formerly, to taste food and drink prepared for a king, etc, to test for poison
4. a sample or preview of a product, experience, etc, intended to stimulate interest in the product, experience, etc, itself

   the single serves as a taster for the band's new album

Other Words From

• pre·taster noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of taster¹

1350–1400; Middle English tastour < Anglo-French. See taste, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Parents told the BBC they paid between £180 and £975 for blocks of one-to-one coaching sessions and that often just one or two were delivered - including a free taster.

From BBC

The 'taster toad' method was then trialled at an ecosystem scale.

From Science Daily

Free taster sessions at some clubs are also available.

From BBC

Macon glanced at Cat, then at the cup filled with taster spoons.

From Literature

They have been called “presidential wine tasters” who may not make a choice until they shake hands with every hopeful.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bowl
• drink
• mug