earthy

adjective

ˈər-thē  -t͟hē 

earthier; earthiest

1

a

: of, relating to, or consisting of earth

earthy creatures like worms

b

: suggestive of earth (as in texture, odor, or color)

an earthy yellow

c

: rough, coarse, or plain in taste

earthy flavors

2

a

archaic : earthly, worldly

b

: characteristic of or associated with mortal life on the earth

prefers earthy to ethereal themes

3

: suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways: such as

a

: practical, down-to-earth

earthy problems of daily life

b

: crude, gross

earthy humor

c

: plain and simple in style : unsophisticated

earthy peasant cookery

earthy decor

earthiness noun

Synonyms

• earthlike
• loamy

Examples of earthy in a Sentence

a blend of earthy colors

The wine had an earthy flavor.

Critics were impressed by the movie's earthy realism.

food made with simple, earthy ingredients

Recent Examples on the Web

Gin and Tonic With election night in full swing, this gin and tonic brings a warm, earthy twist to a classic. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The vibrant hues of golden hour gave way to the muted, earthy tones of not-quite-dusk. —Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024

Orange segments are bright and sweet against the earthy beets, and the goat cheese contributes a tasty tanginess and creaminess. —Julia Levy, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

Designers like Miu Miu, Loewe, and The Row have continued to lean on the earthy color in their collections. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

earthy

adjective

ˈər-thē  -t͟hē 

earthier; earthiest

1

: consisting of or resembling earth

an earthy flavor

2

a

: suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways : practical sense 4, down-to-earth

earthy problems of everyday life

b

: not polite : crude

earthy humor

earthiness noun