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 of earthly

• temporal
• mundane
• terrestrial
• physical
• animal

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

More importantly, the Zellner brothers platform earthly elements, like music and food, as our most essential joie de vivre. — Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026

Shades of forest greens, browns, and other earthly delights followed suit. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026

Andor creator Tony Gilroy returns from the galaxy far, far away to take on more earthly matters. — A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

The eagerly anticipated new Los Angeles museum will welcome earthly visitors on September 22. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

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