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 bark, which is rough and scaly in texture and reddish-brown in appearance, is traditionally steeped in water to create an infusion with an earthy flavor and iridescent blue hue. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Rdn, Health, 6 Sep. 2024

The four-piece set comes with an earthy cold-press olive oil ideal for dipping bread in and a zingy champagne-orange vinegar suited for salads. —Brittany Natale, Glamour, 5 Sep. 2024

The earthy tones seen in this room’s painting and throw pillows are subtle, but stealthily create a more autumnal edge. 6 of 6Design by Morrison Interiors; Photo by Lance Gerber A Textured Touch A little bit of texture can go a long way—just ask Morrison. —Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024

The vetiver adds a green, woody note that grounds the fragrance, while the patchouli gives it a touch of earthy sweetness. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Aug. 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