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

Rich earth tones—clay, sand, and khaki—feel modern right now, offering a polished, understated alternative to traditional blue. —Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026

Both testers value the design for its versatility as well as the impressive range of prints and earth tones that fit most bedroom aesthetics. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Mar. 2026

Rylee + Cru, inside the former Meat Cellar space, sells sustainable clothing with nostalgic prints, earth tones. —Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026

In terms of color, almost anything goes, from classic black to earth tones. —Lina-Marie Baatz, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026

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