pastel

1 of 2

noun

pas·​tel pa-ˈstel 

1

: a paste made of powdered pigment ranging from pale to deep colors and used for making crayons

also : a crayon made of such paste

2

a

: a drawing in pastel

b

: the process or art of drawing with pastels

3

: a light literary sketch

4

: any of various pale or light colors

pastel

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: of or relating to a pastel

b

: made with pastels

2

: pale and light in color

3

: lacking in body or vigor

Synonyms of pastel

Adjective

• pale
• faded
• light

Examples of pastel in a Sentence

Noun

She has a collection of pastels.

She prefers a pastel like light yellow.

The room is painted in a pastel shade of blue.

Adjective

a pastel blue to go with the pale pink walls

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, Georgia’s wildflower surge in September certainly rivals — and sometimes surpasses — the soft pastels of spring. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026

In our graphics output tests, using plain paper and default settings, colors were visually attractive, but shifted toward pastels rather than maintaining good saturation and vibrancy. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 16 Aug. 2026

Adjective

To make the style a little more modern, consider a light and airy approach, pairing pastel floral patterns with antique pieces that have authentic patina. — Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2026

At Valentino, the house played with layering—a double-layered dress, pastel purple tights paired with a pair of red pumps—in its fall-winter 2026–2027 collection. — Elise Fabre, Glamour, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Italian pastello, from Late Latin pastellus woad, from diminutive of pasta

First Known Use

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pastel

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

pastel

1 of 2 noun

pas·​tel pas-ˈtel 

1

a

: a paste made of ground color and used for making crayons

b

: a crayon of such paste

2

: a drawing in pastel

3

: any of various pale or light colors

pastel

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or made with pastels

2

: pale and light in color