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 adjective

Examples of earth tone in a Sentence

She wears a lot of earth tones.
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.
What has resulted is a mesmerizing mash-up: of old and new, earth tones and neon, and a scale that shifts from grand to granular. Grace Edquist, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025 Neutral earth tones or basic blacks are the way to go for a more minimalist look. Franziska Fuchs, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2025 The design blends in seamlessly with the natural landscape, crafted in rich woods and soothing earth tones. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025 The palette ranges from black and white to earth tones such as chocolate, ecru, blue and green. Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earth tone

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earth tone was in 1973

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Earth tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earth%20tone. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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