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

The apparel line included outerwear, knitwear — and premium jerseys in a natural color palette of sand, stone and olive green. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 21 June 2026

While the first two seasons often presented Lestat through structured tailoring and muted palettes, Season 3 arrives in a much louder world. —Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026

The home’s earthy palette of Querobabi adobe, lime plaster walls and natural wood helps link it to the desert setting, as do the broad steps that now cascade down to an infinity pool out back. —Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

There's something about a textured manicure in an iridescent color palette that feels especially reminiscent of the Y2K era. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 June 2026

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