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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 notes

In 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).

Easily confused with
Common pairings
colour palette eyeshadow palette muted palette

Word forms

palettes plural

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Fill the gap

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She scraped the leftover paint off her _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from French palette, ultimately from the same root as "pallet" (a small flat board).

Origin: French

color scheme spectrum range array

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial