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

Adjective

• dull
• dulled
• faded
• light
• pale
• washed-out
• washy

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

The pastel pinks and greens on the disciples’ robes mark a departure from the depressing browns of art that came before him. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024

To incorporate Verona Sunset into wedding decor, Brides suggests going with a nautical theme, mixing it with pastels, and pairing it with organic details, and more—and all of these ideas can also be applied to your home. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Choose from 15 different prints, including pastel plaids and mod leopard. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024

The Emerald City Eyes features lush greens, smoky grays, and shimmering gold, while Bubblegum Bloom embraces pastel pinks, pearly whites, and glistening silvers. —Julie Loffredi, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

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

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