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 fate of this family is at the heart of the film’s emotional palette. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026

The designer points out that the color palettes that once made rooms feel clean and modern are starting to feel sterile. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Windows are wide, sightlines are clear, and the palette is of pale stone, natural linens, and weathered cedar. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Characterized by striking color palettes and graphic compositions, his images mix art, activism and popular culture. — Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 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