pallet

1 of 2

noun (1)

pal·​let ˈpa-lət How to pronounce pallet (audio)
Synonyms of palletnext
1
: a portable platform for handling, storing, or moving materials and packages (as in warehouses, factories, or vehicles)
2
: a wooden flat-bladed instrument
3
: a lever or surface in a timepiece that receives an impulse from the escapement wheel and imparts motion to a balance or pendulum

pallet

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: a straw-filled tick or mattress
2
: a small, hard, or temporary bed

Examples of pallet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
It is remodeled with stylish carpeting, a warm color pallet, and features an attractive tray ceiling with subtle trim work. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, hardwood sawtimber, consists of oak and other big trees used in flooring, furniture and pallets. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026 That’s a flat, pallet-like platform with rollers to make moving simple. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 14 Oct. 2026 The cab of the big rig caught fire, but the trailer, which was carrying wood pallets, did not burn. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pallet

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle French palette, literally, small shovel — more at palette

Noun (2)

Middle English paillet, from Anglo-French paillete bundle of straw, from paille straw, from Latin palea chaff, straw; akin to Sanskrit palāva chaff

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pallet was in the 14th century

Rhymes for pallet

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Browse Nearby Words

pallescent
pallet
pallet board
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Cite this Entry

“Pallet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pallet. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pallet

noun
pal·​let
ˈpal-ət
1
: a straw-filled mattress
2
: a small, hard, or temporary bed

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