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 case also doubles as a palette for mixing colors and even includes a sponge for creating artistic effects. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2025

Kurt Adler Glass Matte Red and Green Ornaments A rich red and green color palette is a designer must-have for Christmas, and is right on par with the Ralph Lauren style. —Jacquleyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025

For the special occasion, Princess Charlene continued her patriotic color palette motif with a shimmering white Armani Privé floor-length dress with long sleeves and a rounded neckline. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 2025

Designers are refreshing fall fashion looks by interpreting iconic ’80s styles — a neon palette, chunky jewelry, power suits, bubble hems and denim on denim — with new, contemporary twists. —Khanh T.l. Tran, USA Today, 21 Nov. 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