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

Antiques layered into a comfortable, practical palette help strike the balance between austerity and warmth. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026

The kit comes with a two-in-one walnut wood palette and watercolor pad, plus a zippered carrying case that can be clipped onto the strap of your analog bag. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026

Each pair in the pack has been colored in a matching blue-and-white color palette, although there is some slight variance between each color description. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026

The classic midcentury retreat Hotel Valley Ho, where all 241 guest rooms were renovated in 2025, blends classic and contemporary aesthetics and features a design palette inspired by Arizona's sunsets. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 27 Jan. 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