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

In early Christian thinking, its connotations of languor and listlessness, within the spirit no less than the body, lent it the status of a sin—a turning aside from God for the sake of earthly sorrow. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025

Ordinary matter makes up everything from the cosmic (planets and stars) to the earthly (people and trees). —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

Co-written by Bentley with Greg Kwedar (the primary creative team behind ‘Sing Sing’), ‘Train Dreams’ thrives on its philosophical inquiries into the earthly randomness of events that make up a life. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2025

Especially right now, when most of whatever happens next would seem to be determined by arbitrary and despotic centers of earthly power. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 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