earthen

adjective

earth·​en ˈər-thən How to pronounce earthen (audio) -t͟hən How to pronounce earthen (audio)
1
: made of earth
2

Examples of earthen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The collection—which includes titular chawans along with sake cups and bottles, tea sets, platters, and more—takes a variety of forms and hues, from modest in earthen shades of brown, yellow, and green to more robust in elegant blue and pewter. Asad Syrkett, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026 This control was reflected in the layout of the site, in which workshop areas–identified by furnaces and bronze artifacts—were enclosed by earthen walls and moats, suggesting oversight and protection. Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 8 Apr. 2026 After crews build a paved, earthen bypass detour to reroute I-35E traffic across Shepard, the old bridge will be demolished. Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 7 Apr. 2026 Since the 1970s, a tall earthen levee has protected Duryea from floodwaters. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthen

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthen was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthen. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

earthen

adjective
earth·​en ˈər-thən How to pronounce earthen (audio) -t͟hən How to pronounce earthen (audio)
: made of earth or of baked clay
an earthen floor
earthen dishes

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