First Known Use: 1622
Dictionary
palette
noun pal·ette \ˈpa-lət\
: a thin board that has a hole for the thumb at one end and that is used by a painter to mix colors while painting
: the range of colors used by someone
Full Definition of PALETTE
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 (2) : a comparable range, quality, or use of available elements <a rich palette of tones and timbres> <a palette of flavors>
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Origin of PALETTE
French, from Middle French, diminutive of pale spade, from Latin pala; probably akin to Latin pangere to fix — more at pact
PALETTE Defined for Kids
palette
noun pal·ette \ˈpa-lət\
Definition of PALETTE for Kids
1
: a thin board or tablet on which a painter puts and mixes colors
2
: the set of colors that an artist is using
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