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

Warm, earthy neutrals and cohesive, tone-on-tone palettes are replacing sterile grays and bold color blocking. — Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Nov. 2026

The base note is earthy, which contrasts nicely with the vanilla top notes. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 7 Nov. 2026

The endless summer spirit can also be seen through the boutique’s palette of neutral, earthy and nude tones alongside natural materials, including large shell fixtures and high-craft and bespoke details. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

North sported her signature neon blue hair, while Saint rocked a gray hoodie and Psalm and Chicago opted for more earthy tones. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 5 Nov. 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