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

This structured mini dress with oversized buttons and a fit-and-flare silhouette comes in numerous spring-ready pastels and makes a great starting point for this outfit. —Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026

To avoid the muggy look, swap mustard tones for light and refreshing pastels that infuse a bathroom with an optimistic softness. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Sai De Silva, daughter London Scout and Love Shack Fancy founder Rebecca Hessel Cohen don flowery pastel dresses for the start of spring at the Youth America Grand Prix Gala in New York City on April 16. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

An official collection of pastel-hued chinaware has also been released to mark the occasion. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 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