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

Best Color Pairings for Chocolate Brown Don’t be scared to dress your walls in this bold earth tone, says Mellan-Matulewicz, particularly when coupling it with subtle neutrals. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026

The result feels edgy yet wearable, blending neutral earth tones with a modern sheen. —Kat Suico, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026

Examples include rich, grounding earth tones, silhouettes with real architectural weight, and the playful return of traditional upholstery details. —Sophie Aliece Hollis, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026

Stone and earth tones evoke calm in the handsomely spare room. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 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