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

The three limited-edition dolls in the collection — which launches Tuesday, June 4 — are hand-knit, and fit well with Harris' aesthetic (think pastel hues and soft ginghams). —Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024

For design fans, the Wes Anderson carriage blends art-nouveau style, symmetrical lines, and pastel and jewel tones. —Luke Abrahams, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2024

Adjective

Stunning Venini chandeliers and a pastel ceramic bar counter inspired by eucalyptus leaves capture all the drama and decadence of this corner of the Mediterranean. —Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 June 2024

The rest of the dress was covered in a pastel argyle print that matched her metallic purple heels. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 4 June 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