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

Grinding roasted cumin seeds releases its earthy flavor notes. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026

Timeless wood pieces, plush armchairs and headboards, and earthy yet optimistic color palettes (think ivory, spring green, tawny brown, and bronze) are both serene and cozy, without feeling dusty or overly trendy. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

In Kotliarevskyi’s satirical adaptation, the Trojan hero becomes a Cossack, rowdy and earthy. —ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026

Our team of a half dozen volunteers worked for a little over an hour, amazed at the size of these starchy beasts in the earthy soil. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 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