earthy

adjective

ˈər-thē  -t͟hē 

earthier; earthiest

1

a

: of, relating to, or consisting of earth

earthy creatures like worms

b

: suggestive of earth (as in texture, odor, or color)

an earthy yellow

c

: rough, coarse, or plain in taste

earthy flavors

2

a

archaic : earthly, worldly

b

: characteristic of or associated with mortal life on the earth

prefers earthy to ethereal themes

3

: suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways: such as

a

: practical, down-to-earth

earthy problems of daily life

b

: crude, gross

earthy humor

c

: plain and simple in style : unsophisticated

earthy peasant cookery

earthy decor

4

informal : crunchy sense 2

Belly dance—big with earthy types in the '70s and early '80s—is once again hip …

—Valerie Berenyi

earthiness noun

Synonyms of earthy

• sandy
• loamy
• muddy

Examples of earthy in a Sentence

a blend of earthy colors

The wine had an earthy flavor.

Critics were impressed by the movie's earthy realism.

food made with simple, earthy ingredients

Recent Examples on the Web

Although not strictly required, many practitioners wear robes for their rituals; some groups prefer white robes, although others favor earthy colors like browns and greens. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner is an earthy, leathery scent that opens with a cheerful pop of mandarin, which brightens up the richer notes of rose, osmanthus, and vetiver. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026

And while the original perfume has a white amber base, this one is anchored in black amber—an earthier, more resinous player. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026

Think earthy, free-spirited garb, Bohemian crafts and clothing, and the visual symbols of Wicca and other witchcraft traditions. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing earthy

• earthy-crunchy

Kids Definition

earthy

adjective

ˈər-thē  -t͟hē 

earthier; earthiest

1

: consisting of or resembling earth

an earthy flavor

2

a

: suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways : practical sense 4, down-to-earth

earthy problems of everyday life

b

: not polite : crude

earthy humor

earthiness noun