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

Crafted using Birkenstock’s premium natural and suede leathers and centered around the brand’s legendary cork-latex footbed wrapped in leather, the collection is rendered in a palette of taupe and black. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 28 June 2026

Its creamy undertones complement bold palettes and create a cohesive, welcoming backdrop. — Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 28 June 2026

With 29 years of hindsight, ReLoad is the better of the two Loads, because Metallica took extra time to diversify their sonic palette. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2026

Because resale value so often dictates aircraft interiors, conservative palettes tend to win out over more daring ideas. — The Editors, Robb Report, 27 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