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

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

The design is warm and minimal, with earth tones, natural materials, and curved walls that feel like something from another time and place. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

There are also midi-skirts in earth tones, wide-leg trousers and skirts with asymmetric hems. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

Cool Earth Tones Cool earth tones, like muted blues and greens, are a great choice for those who love neutrals with some character. — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 6 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