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

Klein Blue made a striking statement at Bottega Veneta in a textured look, while Jil Sander, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, and Lii used flashes of cobalt to punch up a more neutral palette. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026

Josh mentioned the color palette, but also just that quiet luxury, the really soft silks. — Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026

The rooms are designed in a palette of earth tones complemented by natural light streaming in through windows and skylights during the day and soft lighting after dark. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Here, the designer grounded the tonal palette with warm fall florals, a cream table runner, and cozy candlelight. — Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 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