aftertaste

American  

[af-ter-teyst, ahf-] / ˈæf tərˌteɪst, ˈɑf- /

noun

1. a taste remaining after the substance causing it is no longer in the mouth.

2. the remaining sensation following an unpleasant experience, incident, etc..

   the aftertaste of a bad marriage.

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aftertaste British  

/ ˈɑːftəˌteɪst /

noun

1. a taste that lingers on after eating or drinking

2. a lingering impression or sensation

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Etymology

Origin of aftertaste

First recorded in 1820–30; after + taste

Example Sentences

With notes of caramel, orange blossom and jasmine, Illy Caffe’s Classico Instant Coffee leaves behind a deliciously sweet and floral aftertaste that complements its robust blend made exclusively from Arabica beans.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2025

This vignette, despite the mishap, ends more happily than the others, but the evening still leaves a sour aftertaste.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

Hunan's fare has "a tangy aftertaste achieved through fermented chilli peppers", she says, unlike "Sichuan's numbing-spicy or Guizhou's sour-spicy".

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2025

I believe there is an aftertaste so you can take that short-term approach.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2024

Its grease-bathed pepperiness had a strong bitter aftertaste like anise, but not sweet.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

Related Words

• aftereffect
• reaction