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

Açaí Berries Açaí berries are tiny fruits with deep purple skin and an earthy, slightly bitter taste. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 12 May 2025

For whatever reason, the sharp, earthy bite of green onion goes well when mingled with a sting of saltiness. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 9 May 2025

This trend is highlighted by Pantone’s choice of Mocha Mousse as its 2025 Color of the Year, emphasizing warm and earthy tones, wood-like structures and beige undertones. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

In the bedroom, Turner leans more into earthy elements than color. —Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 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