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

India’s changing light informs the palette — with white and cream softened by the sun, dusty pink, light pastels and earthy spice tones sit alongside bright colors. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

His pastrami is flavored with the earthy, peppery hallmarks of ras el hanout, while the brisket eats like low-and-slow Texas barbecue, but with the sweet and savory notes of a traditional Ashkenazi brisket recipe. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Sign Up for Our Free Daily Newsletter The distinct, earthy smell that fills the air after rain following a long dry spell can trigger some serious nostalgia. — Gregory Wakeman, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026

Hoferkamp said that the company’s 2026 Color of the Year, Midnight Garden (a deep, muted green with earthy undertones), and French Press Coffee are part of the same larger story. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 Oct. 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