pastel

1 of 2

noun

pas·​tel pa-ˈstel 

1

: a paste made of powdered pigment ranging from pale to deep colors and used for making crayons

also : a crayon made of such paste

2

a

: a drawing in pastel

b

: the process or art of drawing with pastels

3

: a light literary sketch

4

: any of various pale or light colors

pastel

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: of or relating to a pastel

b

: made with pastels

2

: pale and light in color

3

: lacking in body or vigor

Synonyms

Adjective

• dull
• dulled
• faded
• light
• pale
• washed-out
• washy

Examples of pastel in a Sentence

Noun

She has a collection of pastels.

She prefers a pastel like light yellow.

The room is painted in a pastel shade of blue.

Adjective

a pastel blue to go with the pale pink walls

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The pastel pinks and greens on the disciples’ robes mark a departure from the depressing browns of art that came before him. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024

To incorporate Verona Sunset into wedding decor, Brides suggests going with a nautical theme, mixing it with pastels, and pairing it with organic details, and more—and all of these ideas can also be applied to your home. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2024

Adjective

The living room in particular is staged as if a super chic Golden Girls fan resides there: a pair of low-sitting circular chairs clad in a pastel floral fabric face a burl wood coffee table opposite a greige sofa. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Choose from 15 different prints, including pastel plaids and mod leopard. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Italian pastello, from Late Latin pastellus woad, from diminutive of pasta

First Known Use

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

pastel

1 of 2 noun

pas·​tel pas-ˈtel 

1

a

: a paste made of ground color and used for making crayons

b

: a crayon of such paste

2

: a drawing in pastel

3

: any of various pale or light colors

pastel

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or made with pastels

2

: pale and light in color