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

Terracotta Simpson believes that, while dark, traditionally neutral tones have had their moment, earth tones are likely to become more popular in 2027. — The Spruce, 25 Sep. 2026

Kemp’s interiors are much less formal, using moss greens, warm earth tones, soft stone, natural wood, and textured fabrics to give the grand rooms a more relaxed feel. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

Amid a palette of earth tones—from sand to rust, caramel to chocolate—the brown skirt made an appearance on countless fall-winter 2026–2027 runways. — Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 20 Sep. 2026

Blue, green, and earth tones are paired with warm wood, brass, and black quartzite, while artwork by Dutch artists adds a local touch throughout the lounge. — Maddie Hiatt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 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