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

Standing beneath the abstract piece, diners might notice the rich, earthy fragrance of vetiver and the faint chirping of crickets. —Ellen Fort, Saveur, 8 May 2024

Stars are serving a full bounty of striking floral prints and earthy tones that would make Mother Nature want to strut down the red carpet. —Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024

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