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

Better yet, thanks to their neutral palette, each piece can be easily mixed and matched with the rest of my closet. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026

Every detail is carefully considered, right down to the moon-like globe lighting (which we're told is meant to emulate the bulbs surrounding a starlet's dressing room mirrors), and a calming palette of forest greens, powder pinks and deep blues gives the space a classic yet contemporary feel. —Cassie Doney, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026

In 2026 the modern twist comes in the form of versatile cuts and color palettes that range from white to pastel shades to subtle floral prints. —René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 11 Jan. 2026

The easiest way to do so is by sticking to a color palette. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 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