pale

adjective

ˈpāl 

paler; palest

1

a

: deficient in color or intensity of color : pallid

a pale complexion

b(1)

: having color of reduced saturation (see saturation sense 4a)

a pale pink

(2)

: light in color especially relative to others of its kind

pale beers

2

: not bright or brilliant : dim

a pale sun shining through the fog

3

: feeble, faint

a pale imitation

palely

ˈpāl-lē 

adverb

paleness

ˈpāl-nəs 

noun

palish

ˈpā-lish 

adjective

Word Icons

Synonyms of pale

• faded
• light
• dulled
• dull

Examples of pale in a Sentence

the pale wood of the table

The walls were painted a pale blue.

She has a pale complexion.

Her illness had left her pale and weak.

She grew pale with fright.

Are you feeling well? You look pale.

the pale light of dawn

Recent Examples on the Web

For a summer 2026 refresh, why not consider a twist on the classic French manicure with a pale yellow tip? —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 May 2026

Some people may find its aroma a little musky, but the stronger the scent, the sweeter the pale orange flesh is likely to be. —Joanna Sciarrino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2026

In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, vanilla, sugar, and salt until pale, thick and smooth. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 26 May 2026

Tilda Swinton brought Chanel’s pale blue cap-toe slingbacks back into the house conversation Tuesday in Seoul, wearing the two-tone heels to the Chanel Métiers d’Art 2026 photo-call at Centre Pompidou Hanwha. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pale, paal, palle, borrowed from Anglo-French pale, palle, paille (also continental Old French), borrowed (with loss of unstressed -id-) from Latin pallidus "pale, colorless," formed with the adjective suffix -idus from the same base as pallēre "to be pale or bloodless, have a pale color," pallor "paleness of complexion, loss of color" — more at fallow entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pale

• beyond the pale
• India pale ale
• pale ale
• pale by comparison
• pale imitation
• pale in/by comparison to/with
• pale into insignificance

Rhymes for pale

• ail
• ale
• bail
• baile
• dail
• fail
• flail
• frail
• gael
• gail
• grail
• hail

Kids Definition

pale

1 of 3 adjective

ˈpā(ə)l 

paler; palest

1

a

: light in color or shade : not vivid

a pale pink

b

: not having the warm skin color of a person in good health : pallid

became pale

2

: not bright or brilliant : dim

pale sunshine

palely adverb

paleness noun

pale

2 of 3 verb

paled; paling

: to make or become pale

pale

3 of 3 noun

1

: a stake or picket of a fence

2

: an enclosed place

3

: territory within clearly marked bounds or under a particular authority

Etymology

Middle English pale "lacking in color," from early French pale (same meaning), from Latin pallidus (same meaning), from pallēre "to be pale"

Middle English pale "paling, picket," from early French pal "stake," from Latin palus (same meaning) — related to travel see Word History at travel

Medical Definition

pale

adjective

ˈpā(ə)l 

paler; palest

: deficient in color or intensity of color

a pale face

paleness

-nəs 

noun