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 of earthy

• sandy
• loamy
• muddy

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

Elsewhere, The Barn, which opens onto parkland, is earthy, jolly, and informal – blazing stone fireplace in winter, open to the elements and spilling out into the parkland-facing terrace in summer – and has laid-back brasserie-style menus (veggie burgers, chateaubriand, ribs, chicken pie et al). —Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026

The dry lake beds and bare mountains were cast in glow and shadow, the whole scene washed in cinnamon and brown sugar — earthy tones that felt almost edible. —Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Look for blends with earthy or woody elements like sandalwood, musk, or tobacco, paired with brighter floral notes. —Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026

And Greens Hardin is also drawn to earthy blues and greens when painting window trim. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026

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