earthly

adjective

earth·​ly ˈərth-lē 

1

a

: characteristic of or belonging to this earth

b

: relating to the human race's actual life on this earth

2

: possible

of what earthly use is it?

earthliness noun

Synonyms

• carnal
• earthborn
• earthbound
• fleshly
• material
• mundane
• sublunary
• temporal
• terrene
• terrestrial
• worldly

Choose the Right Synonym for earthly

earthly, worldly, mundane mean belonging to or characteristic of the earth.

earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

worldly and mundane both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, worldly suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification

worldly goods

and mundane suggesting reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

Examples of earthly in a Sentence

a sermon against our obsession with earthly pursuits

Recent Examples on the Web

They are lined with stainless steel and their flip-up tops reveal beetles swarming the earthly remains of various small animals, mostly birds. —Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, 13 May 2025

From the time of its populist founding, the Christian Church professed profound optimism about life, both earthly and eternal. —Richard D. Mahoney, JSTOR Daily, 30 Apr. 2025

Let his final earthly words be a prod to the consciences of our leaders and all mankind. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025

Their parents have long since left this earthly plane. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for earthly

• unearthly

Kids Definition

earthly

adjective

earth·​ly ˈərth-lē 

1

: belonging to or having to do with the earth

earthly joys

2

: imaginable, possible

that tool is of no earthly use

earthliness noun