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

The collection leaned heavily on earthy tones, reflecting the dusty, dark hues of fall and winter across various materials and textures. —Tiana Randall, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Feminine floral notes, warm earthy hints, subtle citrus touches, robust musky undertones—there are so many fragrance types to explore, and 2025 is seeing the resurgence of a nostalgic array of perfume notes: sweet and gourmand. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025

In contrast, robust strains with earthy or spicy undertones find their perfect partner in bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

Whittaker gives a dynamic performance as Susan, a wry, earthy straight shooter who gradually gains the confidence to lead a movement. —Judy Berman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025

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