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

Long gone are the pinks and pastels of the old Uncle Julio’s from when it was started by former Pappasito’s managers. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Dec. 2025

They’re known for modular teak seating, modern outdoor tables, and durable outdoor fabrics that won’t fade into pastels after one summer. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

Adjective

Kith Treats has classic bar-style seating, a muted pastel palette with the same custom fan mosaic found in Kith Kids, Rosa Portugalo, and Azul Cielo marble alongside Volakas marble counters, and stainless-steel trim and accent metal. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025

From the pastel pink French Huguenot Church to the rainbow of pastel doors on the city’s iconic row houses, Charleston is a bounty of gorgeous inspiration. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2025

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