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

Both light gray and creamy white paint are used for the cabinetry, while the neutral palette is offset with rattan bar stools and black light fixtures. —Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026

Bonus points for picking separates in the same color palette (red and white is a particularly cute, preppy combo, as shown above). —Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 6 June 2026

No trim, surface, picture frame, vase, or lamp goes unnoticed in this North Carolina mountain cottage, where a distinct color palette and a strong undercurrent of whimsy tie together each room in Elizabeth and Alex Brooks’ home. —Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026

This set is calling your name with its beachy color palette that features blue, yellow, pearlescent, and orange. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 June 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