earthly

adjective

earth·​ly ˈərth-lē How to pronounce earthly (audio)
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
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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for earthly

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthly was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earthly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthly. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

earthly

adjective
earth·​ly ˈərth-lē How to pronounce earthly (audio)
1
: belonging to or having to do with the earth
earthly joys
2
: imaginable, possible
that tool is of no earthly use
earthliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on earthly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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