earthier; earthiest
1
a
: of, relating to, or consisting of earth
earthy creatures like worms
b
: suggestive of earth (as in texture, odor, or color)
an earthy yellow
c
: rough, coarse, or plain in taste
earthy flavors
2
3
: suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways: such as
a
: practical, down-to-earth
earthy problems of daily life
c
: plain and simple in style : unsophisticated
earthy peasant cookery
earthy decor
4
informal
: crunchy sense 2
Belly dance—big with earthy types in the '70s and early '80s—is once again hip …—
Valerie Berenyi
Valerie Berenyi
earthiness
noun
Examples of earthy in a Sentence
a blend of earthy colors
The wine had an earthy flavor.
Critics were impressed by the movie's earthy realism.
food made with simple, earthy ingredients
Recent Examples on the Web
Imagine a flavor that’s reminiscent of both earthy carrots and herbaceous parsley, all in one leafy green package.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026
Use warm lighting, earthy colors, and soft textures to make the space feel cozier.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026
The residents’ description of the taste and smell ranged from an earthy, almost dirt-like flavor to that of chemicals like Clorox Clean Up.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
Every great winemaking region imparts something recognizably unique to its wines, and Takahiko told me that in Hokkaido this was umami, the earthy flavor so revered in Japanese cooking.
—Alex Halberstadt, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earthy
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Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026
Use warm lighting, earthy colors, and soft textures to make the space feel cozier.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 27 Feb. 2026
The residents’ description of the taste and smell ranged from an earthy, almost dirt-like flavor to that of chemicals like Clorox Clean Up.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
Every great winemaking region imparts something recognizably unique to its wines, and Takahiko told me that in Hokkaido this was umami, the earthy flavor so revered in Japanese cooking.
—Alex Halberstadt, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earthy
Cite this Entry
“Earthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthy. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
earthier; earthiest
1
: consisting of or resembling earth
an earthy flavor
2
a
: suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways : practical sense 4, down-to-earth
earthy problems of everyday life
b
: not polite : crude
earthy humor
earthiness
noun
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