Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thin, usually oval or rectangular board with a thumb hole, used by artists to hold and mix paints while working: This is the physical object, traditionally made of wood or plastic.
   • The particular range of colors used by a specific artist, in a specific painting, or characteristic of a particular style or period of art: This is a figurative use, referring to the selection and combination of colors.
   • (Historical) One of the plates of armor covering the armpit in a suit of plate armor: This is a specialized, historical meaning.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to the physical board:
  • She squeezed dabs of oil paint onto her wooden palette before starting the portrait.
  • The art student cleaned his palette with a scraper and solvent.
• Referring to a characteristic range of colors:
  • The painter is known for a palette dominated by earthy browns and ochres.
  • The film's cinematography uses a cold, blue palette to create a somber mood.
• Historical usage (armor):
  • The knight's suit of armor included palettes to protect the vulnerable underarm area.

Advanced Usage

• "To broaden/widen one's palette": To expand the range of colors, techniques, or styles one uses.
  • After her trip to Morocco, the artist significantly broadened her color palette.
• "A limited/restricted palette": Using only a few colors or a narrow range.
  • The graphic designer chose a very limited palette of black, white, and red for the logo.

Variants and Related Words

• Pallet (noun): This is a common alternate spelling for the artist's mixing board. It can also mean a portable platform for moving goods or a makeshift bed.
• Palette knife (noun): A flexible, blunt knife used by artists for mixing or applying paint.
  • She used a palette knife to apply thick layers of paint to the canvas.

Synonyms

• For the physical board: mixing board, painter's board.
• For the range of colors: color scheme, color range, spectrum, gamut.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Palette cleanser" (or palate cleanser): While "palate" (relating to taste) is the more common term, "palette cleanser" is sometimes used figuratively in art or media to describe something that provides a refreshing change or reset.
  • After working on several dark paintings, she created a bright abstract piece as a palette cleanser.

Noun

1. one of the rounded armor plates at the armpits of a suit of armor
2. board that provides a flat surface on which artists mix paints and the range of colors used
3. the range of colour characteristic of a particular artist or painting or school of art