Taster: meaning, definitions and examples

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taster

 

[ˈteɪstər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food and drink

A person who tastes food or drink to determine its quality or character.

Synonyms

sampler, taste tester, tester.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
taster

Typically used to describe a person who samples food or drink to judge its quality or flavor.

  • The chocolate factory hired a taster to ensure the quality of their new product line.
  • As a wine taster, he traveled to various vineyards around the world.
sampler

Often used to refer to a person who takes samples of a product, usually in a more general or varied context than just food and drink.

  • At the music expo, the record label had several samplers distributing tracks to potential clients.
  • She worked as a product sampler, distributing free samples at the supermarket.
tester

A broad term for someone who tests various types of products or systems, not limited to food or drink. Can also involve technical or mechanical testing.

  • The software company employs a tester to identify bugs in their new application.
  • In the quality control department, the tester examines each product for defects.
taste tester

Used to describe someone who specifically tests the taste of food and beverages, usually for quality control or product development in the food industry.

  • The company hires taste testers to ensure their snacks meet consumer preferences.
  • As a taste tester, she evaluates different flavors of ice cream to decide which ones should be released.

Examples of usage

  • The taster sampled the new dish before it was served to the guests.
  • The wine taster could identify the region the wine came from just by tasting it.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A small sample of food or drink to assess its flavor.

Synonyms

sample, taste, test portion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
taster

Used to describe a person who tastes food or drinks, especially as part of their job, or a small amount of food or drink given to someone to try.

  • The wine taster gave his opinion on the new vintage
  • They offered tasters of the new cheese at the market
sample

Refers to a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like. Often used for trying products like cosmetics, food, or other consumables.

  • The company sent me a sample of their new shampoo
  • You can request free samples from many online stores
taste

Describes the sensation experienced when food or drink is taken into the mouth. Can refer to the act of experiencing this sensation or the specific flavor of something.

  • The cake has a really unique taste
  • She let me taste the sauce she was making
test portion

Used to describe a small amount of something given for examination or testing purposes. Typically used in a more formal or scientific context.

  • The lab analyzed the test portion of the water sample
  • Before mass production, a test portion of the product is evaluated

Examples of usage

  • The bakery offered free tasters of their new pastries.
  • The beer festival had a variety of tasters available for attendees to try.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'taster' comes from the Old French word 'tester', meaning to taste or try.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved to refer specifically to someone who samples food and drink.
  • Historically, tasters were important in royal courts, ensuring food and drinks were safe to consume.

Culinary Arts

  • Professional tasters often have trained palates, allowing them to identify subtle flavors and aromas.
  • Wine tastings are popular events where tasters evaluate different wines based on taste, smell, and appearance.
  • Food critics often act as tasters who provide reviews and ratings based on their experiences.

Pop Culture

  • In cooking shows, tasters often play a significant role, providing feedback to chefs on their creations.
  • Taste tests have become popular in social media challenges, where friends guess different flavors blindfolded.
  • TV shows, like 'MasterChef', emphasize the importance of tasters by highlighting judges’ opinions on dishes prepared by contestants.

Psychology

  • Research shows that factors like color and presentation deeply influence how tasters perceive flavors.
  • Tasters can be influenced by their mood, which affects how they experience different tastes.
  • The psychology of tasting explores how memory and emotions are linked to the flavors we experience.

History

  • In ancient times, tasters were responsible for ensuring that royals did not get poisoned.
  • During Prohibition in the 1920s, tasters were vital in assessing the quality of illegal liquors.
  • In Japan, top sushi chefs often taste their offerings before serving, ensuring each piece meets high standards.

Translations

Translations of the word "taster" in other languages:

🇵🇹 provador

🇮🇳 स्वाद लेने वाला

🇩🇪 Verkoster

🇮🇩 pencicip

🇺🇦 дегустатор

🇵🇱 degustator

🇯🇵 味見する人

🇫🇷 dégustateur

🇪🇸 catador

🇹🇷 tatmacı

🇰🇷 시음자

🇸🇦 متذوق

🇨🇿 ochutnávač

🇸🇰 ochutnávač

🇨🇳 品尝者

🇸🇮 okusovalec

🇮🇸 smakkari

🇰🇿 дәм татып көретін адам

🇬🇪 დეგუსტატორი

🇦🇿 dadına baxan

🇲🇽 catador

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,613 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.