# gamut

/ˈɡæmət/ (US) · /ɡˈæmʌt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gamut
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. colour range

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the full set of colours that a computer screen or printer can show.

For teachers: the entire range of colours that can be represented or reproduced by a specific device or within a given colour space.

- This professional monitor has a wide gamut, so the colours look very realistic.
- Photographers often prefer printers with an expanded gamut to ensure that vibrant landscapes are reproduced with high fidelity.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun in technical contexts.

### 3. musical scale

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

the full set of notes in a musical scale.

For teachers: the full range of notes which a voice or instrument can produce, or the entire series of recognised notes in medieval music.

- The singer's voice was impressive, reaching every note in the musical gamut.
- The composition requires the soloist to explore the full gamut of the instrument, including the rarely used lower register.

Teaching tip: This is the original historical meaning of the word, though the 'range of emotions' sense is now much more common.

## Examples

- The movie covers the entire gamut of human emotions.
- The new software can display the entire gamut of colors available on modern monitors.
- The artist's career spans the entire gamut of modern styles, from the stark minimalism of the 1950s to the vibrant, chaotic energy of contemporary street art.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.