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 bright, neutral palette features warm white walls paired with beige fabric-effect Roberto Cavalli Home wallpaper, champagne gold furnishings, and polished gold accents. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026

Vivid and Burnt Color Palettes Speaking of 1970s color trends, Schnabel Wedemeyer is extra nostalgic for the vivid and burnt color palettes that filled her youth. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026

The shade range of this mid-size bucket bag stands out—think deep purple, cherry red, and robin’s egg blue, all of which would be a welcome change to my winter color palette. —Annie Blackman, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026

The muted color palette of sage greens and heather pinks ushers the outside in, reminding guests that there’s as much to explore externally as internally. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 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