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 color palette spoke to a certain regality, while the textures—brocade, metallic, and snakeskin, created a visual conversation between heritage and modernity. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 15 Aug. 2025

Admired by Nature 24-Inch Artificial Pumpkin Wreath For those who prefer to welcome fall with a subtler color palette, this 24-inch artificial wreath features soft whites, blues, and a hint of gold. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2025

On August 12, 2024, exactly one year before Swift's album announcement, she was photographed in an orange and mint green miniskirt and cropped jacket—which matches the color palette of the album, X user @CourtneySong_ shared on the social media platform. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

Its design is defined by the pale desert palette of its interior, macrame, raffia, wood hearth and wide windows. —Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 13 Aug. 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