earth tone

noun

: any of various rich colors containing some brown

When fashion becomes elaborate, makeup colors take a quieter stance. Earth tones in particular—mustard, cocoa, taupe, and wheat—are well suited to this monochromatic look.

—Anna Quinn

From the mellow earth tones of old stone walls to the brilliant colors of space-age titanium, the bodegas of Spain's most prestigious wine region embody a dynamic culture of architecture …

—Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen

earth-toned

ˈərth-ˌtōnd 

adjective

Examples of earth tone in a Sentence

She wears a lot of earth tones.

Recent Examples on the Web

The architectural style is also compatible, using wood, whites and earth tones. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025

Soothing earth tones and warm wood accents mix with fresh greenery and marbled floors and large, comfy couches and chairs are an inviting way to welcome guests in. —Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025

With soothing earth tones like ocean blue and a golden raisin available, this bamboo sheet set is what coastal bedding dreams are made of. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2025

Bright Orange Fall doesn’t have to be all muted earth tones or moody colors. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for earth tone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone