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

Best Budget Placemat 6/16 Quince European Linen Placemat (Set of 4) $35 Quince Designing a tablescape the Athena Calderone way involves a diffused color palette with subtle texture—think natural-looking linen paired with clay centerpieces and surrounded by muted dishware. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025

Those traditional, extended glass vitrines that create more of a separation between shoppers and staff are being replaced, and the color palettes of store interiors are changing from dark brown to tourmaline, sunstone and topaz. —David Moin, Footwear News, 16 June 2025

The tasteful guest room renovation includes natural white woods complemented by soft colors—grays, tans and pale blues—that reflect nature's coastal palette. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025

Williams’ ability to maintain his artist’s beret and paint palette to make magic happen on an open canvas will be key. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025

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