palette

American  

[pal-it] / ˈpæl ɪt /

noun

1. a thin and usually oval or oblong board or tablet with a thumb hole at one end, used by painters for holding and mixing colors.

2. any other flat surface used by a painter for this purpose.

3. the set of colors on such a board or surface.

4. the range of colors used by a particular artist.

   From this period onwards, his palette lightened in color and he focused primarily on painting seascapes.

5. any set or range of colors, such as those used in brand marketing or as part of a collection of cosmetics.

   The website’s organic, bronze palette and geometric typography reflect the intersection of urbanity and the gallery's natural surroundings.

6. the variety of techniques or range of any art.

   a lush but uneven musical palette.

7. the complete range of colors made available by a computer graphics card, from which a user or program may choose those to be displayed.

8. the range or scope of something.

   a broad palette of skills and strategies.

9. (in ancient Egyptian art) a somewhat flattish slate object of various shapes, carved with commemorative scenes or motifs or, especially in the smaller pieces, containing a recessed area probably for holding eye makeup and often used as a votive offering.

10. Armor. Also pallette a small plate defending the front of the armpit when the arm is lifted; gusset.

---

palette British  

/ ˈpælɪt /

noun

1. Also: pallet.  a flat piece of wood, plastic, etc, used by artists as a surface on which to mix their paints

2. the range of colours characteristic of a particular artist, painting, or school of painting

   a restricted palette

3. the available range of colours or patterns that can be displayed by a computer on a visual display unit

4. either of the plates of metal attached by a strap to the cuirass in a suit of armour to protect the armpits

---

Usage

What’s the difference between palette, pallet, and palate? A palette is that board that painters keep their paints on while painting (most traditionally, an oval one with a thumbhole for holding). The word pallet most commonly refers to a flat, square (often wood) platform used to hold goods for shipping (it’s sometimes called a skid). The word palate refers to the roof of the mouth. More figuratively, palate can refer to a person’s particular sense of taste (as in the way they perceive flavors), or to a person’s general, intellectual taste (as in their specific preferences for things). All three of these words are pronounced exactly the same, and they’re always used as nouns. The word palette is closely associated with art and color. It can also refer to a collection or range of colors or techniques. For example, the term color palette refers to a specific set of colors, such as the ones that a particular artist typically works with. The word pallet can sometimes be used to refer to a painter’s palette, but this spelling is much less commonly used. So how to keep all three spellings straight?A palette is the thing a painter always keeps on hand—literally—while painting. In this way, you can think of a painter’s palette (which is spelled with one L) as a painter’s pal. A pallet (ending in -let) is the platform that lets shippers easily transport goods. Think of palate (ending in -ate) as a word related to what you ate. Here’s an example of palette, pallet, and palate used correctly in a sentence. Example: The art installation consists of wooden pallets painted in a vibrant palette of colors—it’s interesting, but it’s not quite suited to my palate. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between palette, pallet, and palate.

Commonly Confused

See palate pallet 1

Other Word Forms

• palettelike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of palette

First recorded in 1615–25; from French, Middle French, diminutive of pale “spade, shovel,” from Latin pāla “spade, winnowing fan, shoulder blade” (related to pale ² ( def. ), peel ² ( def. ), peel ³ ( def. ) ) + -ette; see origin at -ette

Explanation

A palette is a range of colors. It is also the board that artists use to hold and mix paint. Picture Picasso in his blue period: He is holding a palette on which you see a limited palette of blue tones. The meaning of the word palette has extended beyond actual colors to include figurative colors. A musician can use a palette of tones and modes. Either way it is a limited selection from all things available. Don't confuse this word with the homophone palate which refers to your sense of taste. Both words come to English through Old French but have different Latin roots.

Example Sentences

“Every element reflects intentional design, from bespoke millwork and curated lighting to a refined palette of stone, wood, and metal,” it states.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

His epic palette includes sky and water; his preferred materials are miles of fabric and rope.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

In recent years, the palette of popular political parties has widened.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Details make all the difference in the small powder room by Rebecca J. Hansen, who explains that both the room and the nearby vestibule are focused on mixing patterns while keeping a consistent color palette.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Claire had always seemed to see the palette of her brain, had been able to sort the colors through a prism so she could understand how Maya felt without Maya having to say a word.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway