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
Anna QuinnFrom 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
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen
Examples of earth tone in a Sentence
She wears a lot of earth tones.
Recent Examples on the Web
The muted earth tones with splashes of dark green, purple, and maroon were immediate standouts.
—Essence, 29 June 2025
Each brand employs a strikingly similar aesthetic vocabulary: muted color palettes dominated by whites, blacks, and earth tones; sans-serif typography that suggests clinical precision; and packaging that prioritizes geometric simplicity over ornamental flourish.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 24 June 2025
These more nuanced neutral earth tones outperformed softer, cooler tones that buyers are used to seeing.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
A little over a year ago, Urban Decay re-released the original Naked eye shadow palette, comprised of shimmery earth tones and misty gray hues.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for earth tone
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.
Essence, 29 June 2025
Each brand employs a strikingly similar aesthetic vocabulary: muted color palettes dominated by whites, blacks, and earth tones; sans-serif typography that suggests clinical precision; and packaging that prioritizes geometric simplicity over ornamental flourish.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 24 June 2025
These more nuanced neutral earth tones outperformed softer, cooler tones that buyers are used to seeing.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
A little over a year ago, Urban Decay re-released the original Naked eye shadow palette, comprised of shimmery earth tones and misty gray hues.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for earth tone
Cite this Entry
“Earth tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earth%20tone. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share