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

For pasta, try using whole wheat for its earthy, toothsome quality; any kind will do. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026

The velvety dressing is made with earthy za'atar, rich cashew butter, cilantro, and a touch of maple syrup. —Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 24 Apr. 2026

Matcha is known not only for its earthy taste but also for its signature green color—which everyone from Hailey Bieber to Olivia Rodrigo, and even Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams—finds compelling. —Maria Goldbach, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026

Tender, earthy lentils, crunchy veggies, cooked shrimp, and a tangy vinaigrette are tossed together to create a simple, flavorful salad that is sure to leave you full longer. —Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 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