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

The space itself aims to encapsulate an earthy, natural feel. — Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

An earthy mix of browns carries through a classic mix of suede and mesh on the upper, and patent leather is thrown in with a hickory hue. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

Le Labo’s Amsterdam City Exclusive has an earthy, mossy quality, but cinnamon and pink pepper cut through with just enough brightness and spice to keep it feeling fresh. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Beetroot, the edible root of a beet plant (Beta vulgaris), is reddish-purple, with an earthy smell and taste. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 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