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

There's no better color palette to set the stage for a spa-like bathroom than a soothing neutral. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025

The road ahead As Orange County’s gastronomic landscape evolves and takes on new shapes, ranging from James Beard Foundation honors to the change in diners’ palette, Halkett understands the challenges ahead of her. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2025

Distracting Color Palettes The experts agree that a warm neutral color palette is the most versatile and welcoming for a dining room. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2025

His collections are intentionally restrained: precision tailoring, rarefied fabrics, soft color palettes, monogram-free silhouettes. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 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