earthier; earthiest
Synonyms of earthynext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The wine raisins have an earthier flavor compared to traditional raisins and still have their seeds, which Cates intends for consumers to eat. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Chen also recast the Zhongshan jacket in a simpler, more relaxed form, and used silk in earthy tones to spin a more delicate vision of the city’s history and materials. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Savory sausage and pepperoni, earthy mushrooms, and bits of pepper and onion push this dip into pizza territory. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2026 Before there was Georgia Oakley’s earthy, enthralling new spin on Jane Austen’s debut novel, there was Ang Lee’s 1995 standard-bearer of an adaptation. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthy

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthy was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Earthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

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
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