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

Setting the table Napkins Textile trends in the late ’60s and early ’70s were dominated by earth tones—with a particular emphasis on mustard yellow, avocado green, and burnt orange. —Callie Sumlin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025

Peylak’s cloak was intense with earth tones. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025

The 159 rooms and 33 suites are studies in big-time, understated chic, done in grays, white marbles, and earth tones—set off by killer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River through floor-to-ceiling windows. —Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

The dining room now is decorated in natural woods and earth tones. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Dec. 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