earthier; earthiest
Synonyms of earthynext
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
4
informal : crunchy sense 2
Belly dance—big with earthy types in the '70s and early '80s—is once again hip …Valerie Berenyi
earthiness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Customers were consistently trickling through the doors; the brick shop features large windows and warm earthy colors, tucked just inside the SoHo Lofts Condominiums. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026 Pair it with linen sheets and the Natalie shams for a matching design, or mix it with earthy colors like sage green, mustard yellow, or terracotta to add dimension. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 6 June 2026 Where To Stay To mark its 20th anniversary, Four Seasons Silicon Valley refreshed its suites with soft neutrals, earthy tones, and coastal hues inspired by the landscapes that surround Silicon Valley. David Hochman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 Bold color combinations like yellow, pink, and olive prove burgundy works surprisingly well with vibrant or earthy hues, creating outfits that feel rich, balanced, and fashion-forward. Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthy

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthy was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Earthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthy. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

earthy

adjective
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

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