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

Wadden admits that the color has a richness and warmth that might seem like a daring choice to homeowners who are accustomed to more understated palettes. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

After arriving on set in Winnipeg at the tail end of winter, Travers quickly discovered the family’s palette within the landscape of blue skies and grassland. — Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 10 July 2026

The aesthetic is modern yet cozy, with a neutral palette punctuated by pops of color. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

Note the wetlands-colored palette of tiles, all soft greens and pinkish browns, along the wall behind the oak bar. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 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