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

Consider light palettes in tones of sage, soft blue, or butter yellow, and placing out chic umbrellas to create shade for your guests. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026

Nature inspires Diamond Denim’s color palette of brown, beige and olive. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2026

Quiet Luxury Colors To choose a color palette for your space, Kantz suggests looking at your existing furniture, artwork, light fixtures, and home accessories to determine whether a lighter color scheme would feel more cohesive. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2026

Instead, aim for clean lines, a cohesive color palette, and thoughtful details that highlight your home’s personality. —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 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