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

Inside the living room, plush furnishings reflect the locale, with ocean-blue throw pillows embroidered in warm coral tones—small but intentional details that complement Onna Village’s elemental palette. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

From start to finish, the garments presented like a palette of diverse tastes; no shape or silhouette left untouched. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 July 2025

Those preparations are the stars at this South Austin restaurant with mostly outdoor seating and a color palette of beiges and creams, accented by verdant leafy plants, that will transport you to the jungles of the Yucatán. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025

This may go a ways toward explaining my less-than-refined palette. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 7 July 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