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

All have a sleek minimal feel, with jute rugs and linen cushions adding just a touch of colour to the all-neutral palette. — Siobhan Grogan, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026

The production itself was relatively stripped back, relying largely on the rail and a palette of pink and red lighting rather than some elaborate staging or visuals. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2026

Expect a rich palette of creams, golds, seas of blues, and pops of burgundy nestled against dark wood furniture and an array of textured fabrics. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

America has this incredibly rich palette to draw from, and that largely comes from an immigrant population. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 9 Oct. 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