noun
Uncommon
palette
PA-liht
Palette (noun) means a thin board on which a painter mixes colours. Example: “She scraped the leftover paint off her palette.”
noun
1
A thin board on which a painter mixes colours.
"She scraped the leftover paint off her palette."
2
The range of colours used in a particular work, design, or context.
"The film has a muted, wintery colour palette."
3
A collection of makeup shades sold together.
"She bought an eyeshadow palette with ten shades."
How to use palette
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA painter's mixing board, or more broadly, a set or range of colours.
Common mistake
Easily confused with "palate" (taste, or roof of the mouth) and "pallet" (a wooden platform for shipping goods).
Common pairings
colour palette
eyeshadow palette
muted palette
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Word forms
- Plural
- palettes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She scraped the leftover paint off her _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from French palette, ultimately from the same root as "pallet" (a small flat board).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for palette
See all rhymes for palette →Frequently asked questions
What does “palette” mean?
The word “palette” means a thin board on which a painter mixes colours. In plain terms, a painter's mixing board, or more broadly, a set or range of colours.
How do you pronounce “palette”?
“Palette” is pronounced PA-liht (/ˈpælɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “palette” in a sentence?
Here is “palette” used in a sentence: “She scraped the leftover paint off her palette.”
What part of speech is “palette”?
“Palette” is a noun.
Where does the word “palette” come from?
The word “palette” comes from French. Borrowed from French palette, ultimately from the same root as "pallet" (a small flat board).
Is “palette” a common word?
“Palette” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “palette” have?
“Palette” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin board on which a painter mixes colours.
What is the difference between palette and pallet?
Palette refers to the board a painter mixes colors on, or the range of colors used in a design, while pallet refers to a flat wooden platform used for stacking and moving goods. The two words are homophones but have completely unrelated meanings.
What does palette mean in design or branding?
In design and branding, palette refers to the range of colors used in a particular work, design, or context, such as a brand's color palette, which sets the visual tone across its materials.
What does palette mean in the context of makeup?
In makeup, a palette refers to a collection of makeup shades, such as eyeshadow colors, sold together in a single case or kit.
