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

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In August 2023, scientists returned to the site and took samples from three of the earthen mounds located various distances from the Menominee River. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2025 Their bodies, buried in the same earthen dam, became an altar — proof that the struggle for Black freedom and the Jewish battle against antisemitism were inseparable projects of American redemption. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 24 May 2025 The complex was ringed by an earthen mound, which archaeologists suspect was built with dirt taken from a nearby hill. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025 Stone cairns, serpentine walls, earthen mounds, balance rocks, ancient spring wells, and interesting stone enclosures have been identified as potential early cultural evidence of pre-European native use. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2025 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 18 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on earthen

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