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

• earthlike
• loamy

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

These rich, earthy notes provide a comforting and long-lasting finish, enveloping you in a sense of warmth and security. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 8 June 2024

It’s also often described as earthy and similar to Jasmine rice. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 5 June 2024

At least Manny’s dish made sense, though, and the black risotto and the earthy colors of his sauces had good contrast. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2024

Baked in an oven, the whole thing is both earthy and luxurious, with subtle hints of smoke. —Laura May Todd Enea Arienti, New York Times, 17 May 2024

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