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

Sandro is offering a capsule of essentials tapping into France’s blue, white and red palette that spans from socks and shorts emblazoned to a special edition of its Flame sneaker. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 12 July 2024

The look is rich and saturated in a warm palette of earthy golds and greens that reflect both the natural and institutional environments. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024

Both are a minimalist’s dream and built using the best basics in fresh, summer whites—a palette that Jennifer Lawrence has been leaning into as well, topped with her favorite statement accessories (ahem—The Row’s sold out Mara jelly flats and a Ralph Lauren ball cap). —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 July 2024

With a vast selection that includes fluffy towels in tons of colors, terry towels in minimal palettes, and even soft linen towels with quirky designs, the most difficult part is selecting which high-quality option to choose. —Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2024

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

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