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

This carry-on also comes in a fun color palette, most of which are on sale for up to 24 percent off. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

Sticking to styles and accessories with the same color palette is an easy way to add polish to your outfit. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

Leaonme Full/Queen 3-Piece Quilt Set This three-piece quilt set from Leaonme has a fall-friendly color palette and a pretty, floral patchwork pattern. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025

The Castlery Black Friday sale is a prime opportunity to pine over the retailer’s classic silhouettes and neutral color palettes at slightly more wallet-friendly prices. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

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