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

Adjective

• dull
• dulled
• faded
• light
• pale
• washed-out
• washy

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

Men show up in full suits often in shades of baby blue, butter yellow, mint, and other pastels. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025

Studio Bosko, founded by architect Kasia Kronberger, was presented with a wish list starting with one item at the top: to create a multifunctional home with a palette that wasn’t limited to whites and pale pastels. —Eva Morell, Architectural Digest, 27 Apr. 2025

Adjective

Vionic Rest Elvia Slide Sandals $67 $60 at Amazon Add color and texture to your spring footwear rotation with these pastel lizard-print leather sandals. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025

Snag casual frocks and formal gowns in floral patterns and pastel hues, with prices starting at $25. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 26 Apr. 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