earth tone

noun

: any of various rich colors containing some brown

When fashion becomes elaborate, makeup colors take a quieter stance. Earth tones in particular—mustard, cocoa, taupe, and wheat—are well suited to this monochromatic look.

—Anna Quinn

From the mellow earth tones of old stone walls to the brilliant colors of space-age titanium, the bodegas of Spain's most prestigious wine region embody a dynamic culture of architecture …

—Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen

earth-toned

ˈərth-ˌtōnd 

adjective

Examples of earth tone in a Sentence

She wears a lot of earth tones.

Recent Examples on the Web

The reissue of the brand’s 2007 running sneaker has been given a mix of earth tones and bright colors, which is somewhat reminiscent of White’s past work with Bodega. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 16 June 2026

Pair Offbeat Green with earth tones like browns and creams or brighter hues like terracotta to enhance its vibrancy and create a fresh, unique look. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026

The San Francisco 49ers tight end and his wife, both 32, purchased their home in late 2024 and worked with Pottery Barn’s Design Crew to create a cozy retreat featuring earth tones and layered textures. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

The elegant guest rooms feature earth tones and ocean views. —Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for earth tone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone