earthling

noun

earth·​ling ˈərth-liŋ How to pronounce earthling (audio)
variants or Earthling
1
: an inhabitant of the earth
2

Examples of earthling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After the broadcast of Orson Welles’ alien invasion docu-drama The War of the Worlds on October 30, 1938, the FCC was flooded with letters from traumatized earthlings. Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025 So the earthlings now have to try and ignite Jupiter’s atmosphere to launch Earth back into space. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 The show, created by Bonnie and Terry Turner, followed a group of aliens who attempt to live life as a human family, the Solomons, to observe the behavior of earthlings. Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025 As most know, the moon landing was filmed in my basement and earthlings have never set foot on the moon. Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for earthling

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthling was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Earthling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthling. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

earthling

noun
earth·​ling ˈərth-liŋ How to pronounce earthling (audio)
: one who lives on the planet earth

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