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

Marble fireplaces and bespoke timber joinery soften a palette of black, white and brushed brass, while parquet floors bring warmth beneath the clean geometry. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Although the primary palette used in its design is black and white, the logo is a blank canvas that frequently gets represented in different colors or patterns to match trending London conversations or events, much like Google Doodles. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026

Designers have taken disparate approaches to this bold color palette. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 July 2026

That palette is echoed in the interior, where cork and eucalyptus wood play against bronze hardware. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 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