1
: practical
down-to-earth traveling tips
2
: unpretentious
surprised to find the movie star so down-to-earth
down-to-earthness noun

Examples of down-to-earth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web They were engaged at the time of his death, according to Perry’s rep. Perry's Life Didn't Start Out Happy By Wappler's accounting, Perry was a down-to-earth man who kept his family life intensely private. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Prior to a rehearsal for the teen choral concert, Burton, 41, took questions from the students, responding with a mixture of encouragement to keep singing and to consider music school, and with down-to-earth, practical advice. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2024 Over the years Gérard Bertrand has become a brand, with four wineries and a hospitality destination under its umbrella, but the winemaker remains a down-to-earth champion of southwest France and earth-friendly farming, known to show up to events with mud on his boots. Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Add Earthy Accents Let nature and design unite in down-to-earth decor, even at Christmastime. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2024 Ma wears his white sneakers and crumpled leather jacket as badges of down-to-earth honor and does not hesitate to unload his monstrous punching power at 10-minute intervals. Patrick Frater, Variety, 22 Feb. 2024 On his block, where Mr. Garvey’s banner was the only political yard sign, neighbors of both parties described him as down-to-earth and friendly, and doubted that his family issues would sway voters. Shawn Hubler, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2024 Pisces is gentle and dreamy, while Capricorn is strong and down-to-earth. Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 18 Feb. 2024 McDowell, in his 14th season at the time and known to be a down-to-earth grinder, became the second-oldest driver to win his first Cup race after Michael Waltrip finally won in his 463rd start. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'down-to-earth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of down-to-earth was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near down-to-earth

Cite this Entry

“Down-to-earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/down-to-earth. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

down-to-earth

adjective
ˌdau̇n-tə-ˈ(w)ərth
1
: practical sense 3
down-to-earth advice
2
: unpretentious
a down-to-earth person
down-to-earthness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on down-to-earth

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