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

The color palette is muted yet textured, featuring wood, stone, and the interplay of shadow and light. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

The experience is free of distracting graphics, and the unified color palette makes for easy navigation. —PC Magazine, 22 May 2025

Laura Ashley Oxford Stripe Cotton Green Quilt Set This quilt set fits into the coastal grandma aesthetic for many reasons, including its relaxing white and green color palette, breathable 100% cotton fabric, classic ticking striped pattern, and darling ruffle details. —Bridget Degnan, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025

It’s covered in a rich, coastal color palette — from pastel teal hues to deep corals. —Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 21 May 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