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

• temporal
• mundane
• terrestrial
• physical
• animal
• bodily

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

As geologists were realizing that earthly timescales were vast, astronomers began to discover that the same applied to the distances of the cosmos. —Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025

It was once widely believed throughout Europe that stars produced an ethereal fluid that somehow influenced earthly affairs. —Martha Barnette august 6, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2025

Most scientists with relevant expertise suspected the specimen had been contaminated with earthly life, which is the consensus today. —F.d. Flam, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025

Indulge in the earthly scents of Morocco and refresh your headspace with their Moroccan Hammam, or take an invigorating dip in the cold plunge to stimulate your mind and stimulate circulation in the body. —Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 28 July 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