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

Krauss also has a slew of other honors to ger credit — including 12 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards — as befits this singularly gifted singer, violinist, band leader and tireless champion of earthy American music. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025

Garnish with a small tuft of beetroot sprouts, adding a final earthy flourish. —Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Spiked with tropical flowers, seaweed, and earthy notes of amber and cedar, the scent was designed to stimulate and soothe all at once. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 6 July 2025

People often describe it as sweet but musky, earthy but sharp, herbal but metallic, all at once. —Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 4 July 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