palette

noun

pal·​ette ˈpa-lət 

1

: a thin oval or rectangular board or tablet that a painter holds and mixes pigments on

2

a

: the set of colors put on the palette

b(1)

: a particular range, quality, or use of color

The designer's palette consisted mostly of earth tones.

(2)

: a comparable range, quality, or use of available elements

a rich palette of tones and timbres

a palette of flavors

a palette of vegetables

Examples of palette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Set to launch later this year, Riyadh Air will debut a 28-seat business-class cabin in a palette of indigo, lavender, mocha golds, and stone accents—its aesthetic loosely inspired by a Bedouin tent. —Chris Dong, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025

Now, trend forecasts show that design professionals will favor more tone-on-tone, cohesive palettes that tend to offer a sense of calm, visual harmony, and longevity. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025

Beyond Blues introduces non-indigo dye options and versatile customization possibilities, while Airsoft features a fresh palette of luminous mid and light indigo tones, complemented by soft greys and blacks—perfect for spring-summer moods and relaxed silhouettes. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

The items are available in a wide palette of signature muted and vibrant colors, including earthy and neutral tones, pink pastels and green and blue shades, with a pop of red for the plaid. —David Moin, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, diminutive of pale spade, from Latin pala; probably akin to Latin pangere to fix — more at pact

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing palette

• palette knife

Rhymes for palette

• alate
• ballot
• fallot
• mallet
• palate
• pallet
• shallot

Kids Definition

palette

noun

pal·​ette ˈpal-ət 

1

: a thin usually oval board or tablet with a hole for the thumb at one end used by a painter to lay and mix pigments on

2

: the colors put on the palette