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 top had earthy colors, such as various shades of brown and green, and even included a scene of sticks, grass, and leaves — perhaps, even a wood duck or two! —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

Mushrooms and wild rice lend an earthy flavor to this recipe. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025

Not only are these beans packed with nutrients, but their mild, earthy taste and soft texture pair well with ingredients like vegetables, grains, and animal proteins. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Nov. 2025

Beets are known for their slight heart shape, bright colors, and earthy flavor. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 4 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