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

• 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

Frozen spinach can taste musty or too earthy. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025

Nevertheless, waiting and extra mulch insulation can help turn your earthy end-of-season snacks into mild, sweet, and savory treats if only light freezes persist. —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025

Utility Redux’s earthy color stories, functional design and natural overdyes mirrors the growing appeal of slowness and simplicity. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

The items are available in a wide palette of signature muted and vibrant colors, including earthy and neutral tones, pink pastels and green and blue shades, with a pop of red for the plaid. —David Moin, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 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