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

Her travel wardrobe trick is packing around a palette; in this case, a summery blend of blues with pops of marigold and mint layered in. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

The color palette is said to have been inspired by the lagoon and mixed with inspiration from Venice’s marble facades, plasterwork and architecture through the use of celadon greens, soft blues, terracotta, ochre and powder pink. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

The rooftop’s palette is consistent with whats below; lots of deep reds, navy blues and whites. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

In time, Wilfred expanded flowerovlove’s music palette, introducing her to pivotal music like Frank Ocean’s Blonde and Tame Impala’s discography. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 3 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