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

The relaxed linen texture keeps them looking elevated but still cozy, and the earthy tone ties the entire color palette together in such a soothing way. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026

Thanks to the monochromatic palette, the mix is soft and subtle. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 24 May 2026

Kitchen colors can be a playground to explore color, from sage green cabinets to tuxedo palettes. —Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 24 May 2026

The public areas are wonderfully welcoming, with velvety sink-in sofas in a palette of greens and russets. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 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