# aftertaste

/ˈæftɝˌteɪst/ (US) · /ˈɑːftətˌeɪst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aftertaste
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

a flavor that stays in your mouth after you have finished eating or drinking something.

For teachers: a lingering gustatory sensation that persists after a substance has been swallowed or removed from the mouth. Often used metaphorically to describe a lasting emotional impression following an event.

## Examples

- The cheap wine left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth.
- While the meal was delicious, the heavy use of garlic left a strong aftertaste that lasted for hours.
- The sudden cancellation of the contract left a sour aftertaste, overshadowing the successful collaboration the two companies had enjoyed for nearly a decade.

## Synonyms

finish

## Usage notes

- Commonly modified by adjectives like 'bitter', 'sweet', 'sour', or 'pleasant'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.