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 palette is rich and unexpected without trying too hard—very fall, but not in the predictable brown-and-black way. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Oct. 2026

The Portobello Hotel’s interiors are their own draw, sporting vibrant color palettes and unexpected textural pairings that set the scene for a cozy stay. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

Abercrombie, who was born in Texas in 1909 and grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, is known for enigmatic, psychologically potent compositions of natural objects and mysterious figures rendered in a muted palette. — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Oct. 2026

India’s changing light informs the palette — with white and cream softened by the sun, dusty pink, light pastels and earthy spice tones sit alongside bright colors. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 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