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

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

The dish comes with lemon slices and freshly grated wasabi root, set apart from the common horseradish alternative by its earthy notes and a touch of sweetness. —Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2025

As for the interior design of the home, the couple leaned into a neutral palette with earthy tones and black accents. —Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

Each rug was made in Nepal and crafted with handwoven wool and silk and available in a color palette of classic architectural neutrals, rich and earthy jewel tones. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2025

Sweet potatoes have a sweet, earthy flavor that caramelizes when roasted. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

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