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

Briceno suggests decanting only a small amount onto a clean palette and closing the jar immediately so the texture stays consistent. — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026

Despite her Cronenberg fandom, the singer’s kaleidoscopic palette of references isn’t limited to the avant-garde. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

An Emily Henry novel announces warmth, wit, emotional accessibility, and optimism through bright palettes, graphic illustration, and playful typography. — Madelyn Johnson, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

Farris' depictions – drawn in a loose, minimal style with a bright, colorful palette – offer generalities that seem relatable for those who have attended med school. — Tahneer Oksman, NPR, 23 July 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