earthly

adjective

earth·​ly ˈərth-lē 

1

a

: characteristic of or belonging to this earth

b

: relating to the human race's actual life on this earth

2

: possible

of what earthly use is it?

earthliness noun

Synonyms

• carnal
• earthborn
• earthbound
• fleshly
• material
• mundane
• sublunary
• temporal
• terrene
• terrestrial
• worldly

Choose the Right Synonym for earthly

earthly, worldly, mundane mean belonging to or characteristic of the earth.

earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

worldly and mundane both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, worldly suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification

worldly goods

and mundane suggesting reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

Examples of earthly in a Sentence

a sermon against our obsession with earthly pursuits

Recent Examples on the Web

The monastery is especially known for its incredible wall hangings and a cache of artifacts associated with centuries of Rinchen Zangpo’s reborn earthly form. —Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025

Here, the gardens often appear to be sinking or submerged as rising seas threaten to turn earthly Edens into swampland. —The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025

And when Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin] finishes his earthly journey, there will be queues at his coffin. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Yet humans – the keystone species for fire on Earth – are merging the two arenas of earthly burning with a give and take that is reshaping the planet in what resembles a slow-motion Ragnarok. —Stephen Pyne, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

earthly

adjective

earth·​ly ˈərth-lē 

1

: belonging to or having to do with the earth

earthly joys

2

: imaginable, possible

that tool is of no earthly use

earthliness noun