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

Add in the fact that black now dominates bridal party palettes, evening receptions and even wedding dresses themselves, and the lines feel blurrier than ever. —Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 20 Dec. 2025

Shop luxury makeup like Tarte’s tubing mascara or an Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow palette with three different color themes. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025

The Italian studio incorporated materials that are warm and comfy yet elegant and refined, along with a bright, modern palette with colors that evoke the sea. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Dec. 2025

So my canvas board got bigger, or my palette. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 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