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

First Light The environments here, and particularly the vast interiors, ooze with care and intention, many of them cast from the same black, gold, and occasionally red palette. —Alex James Kane, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

The octagonal silhouette and tapisserie dial evoke Gérald Genta’s original 1970s Royal Oak, while the palette is pure 1980s Swatch. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 May 2026

In the open-concept living and dining areas, classic architecture flourishes against a modern color palette and contemporary furnishings. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026

Designs incorporate brighter color palettes and graphic elements associated with the Bratz brand, positioning the capsule within a more expressive segment of the activewear market. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 28 May 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