pastel

1 of 2

noun

pas·​tel pa-ˈstel 

1

: a paste made of powdered pigment ranging from pale to deep colors and used for making crayons

also : a crayon made of such paste

2

a

: a drawing in pastel

b

: the process or art of drawing with pastels

3

: a light literary sketch

4

: any of various pale or light colors

pastel

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: of or relating to a pastel

b

: made with pastels

2

: pale and light in color

3

: lacking in body or vigor

Synonyms

Adjective

• dull
• dulled
• faded
• light
• pale
• washed-out
• washy

Examples of pastel in a Sentence

Noun

She has a collection of pastels.

She prefers a pastel like light yellow.

The room is painted in a pastel shade of blue.

Adjective

a pastel blue to go with the pale pink walls

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That last one is named after the annual Scandinavian celebration that occurs on the summer solstice and comes with background music and a pale, pastel look with shades of pink, blue, and purple. —Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024

Another Ruscha, in ink and pastel, shows the word LAWYER, referencing Jack’s profession. —Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 10 Oct. 2024

Adjective

The group delivered the track out of the studio, on a rooftop against the Los Angeles skyline, dressed in coordinating pastel outfits and go-go boots. —Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2024

For the occasion, Ponton embraced the pastel trend, opting for a slim-fitting lilac bodysuit with a high neckline and long sleeves, ending at the ankle. —Julia Teti, WWD, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Italian pastello, from Late Latin pastellus woad, from diminutive of pasta

First Known Use

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

pastel

1 of 2 noun

pas·​tel pas-ˈtel 

1

a

: a paste made of ground color and used for making crayons

b

: a crayon of such paste

2

: a drawing in pastel

3

: any of various pale or light colors

pastel

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or made with pastels

2

: pale and light in color