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

• earthlike
• loamy

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

That has imbued the tequila with rich notes of maple, brown sugar, and raisin, while keeping the agave’s earthy character intact. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025

Across the property, warm, earthy tones shape the mood. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Woods and Sweet Grass provide an earthy counterbalance for a set that makes an incredible gift, even for someone new to incense. —Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025

Modern Colonial spaces use warm, neutral, natural, and earthy colors. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 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