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

Go All Black For those willing to make a bold statement, Ungaro recommends changing the color palette entirely. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025

To sum it up, the American manicure favors a softer color palette, while the French manicure is often synonymous with vivid white tips. —Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 14 Feb. 2025

Be sure to bring this to your manicurist for when the big day rolls around. Skin Tone Shades A fool-proof shade that will go with any dress color palette is a neutral color. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025

The furnishings in the living space are exceptionally meaningful; the color palette was inspired by the owners’ Aussidoodle, named Scarlet. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 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

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