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

The Reese’s x Reebok Angel Reese 1 sneaker sports a Brown/Orange/Yellow color combination inspired by the brand’s signature color palette as well as representing its staple chocolate and peanut butter flavors. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2026

Spring and summer gave us poppy colorways like butter yellow and blue and pink and green, but fall is ushering in a slightly moodier palette. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026

Naturally, the night called for not one, not two, but three major looks, all orbiting a palette of fall neutrals. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Spacious and flooded with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the rooms lean into a soothing palette of cool grays, warm wood accents, and pops of yellow. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 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