earthen

[ ur-thuh n ]

/ ˈɜr θən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR earthen ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

composed of earth.

worldly.

RELATED WORDS

dirt, mud, rock, stone, fictile

Nearby words

earth-moving, earth-shattering, eartha, earthborn, earthbound, earthen, earthenware, earthlight, earthling, earthly, earthman

Origin of earthen

1175–1225; Middle English erthen, Old English eorthen. See earth, -en²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for earthen

From deep within, looking up at the tropical sky is like staring through the dome of some kind of earthen cathedral.
What Made Mexico’s Most Mysterious Beach?|Brandon Presser|October 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The earthen ground floor was reserved for crop storage and the occasional chicken or other small animal.
A Little Too Off the Beaten Path in Burma|Katya Cengel|June 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Nests are placed under bridges, in houses, or on cliffsides and earthen banks.
The Breeding Birds of Kansas|Richard F. Johnston
This long, narrow opening is approached from the outside by steps made in the earthen covering.
Wigwam and War-path; Or the Royal Chief in Chains|A. B. (Alfred Benjamin) Meacham

These earthen steps were still running with the late rain, and moss lay on them like a green film.
The Story Of Julia Page|Kathleen Norris
An earthen pot containing water was set down just inside the hut, and then the door was slammed, for the man was in a hurry.
With Wolseley to Kumasi|F.S. Brereton
Stephenson's house, or rather "shanty," had but one room, and that had an earthen floor.
Great Men and Famous Women. Vol. 6 of 8|Various

British Dictionary definitions for earthen

earthen

/ (ˈɜːθən) /

adjective (prenominal)

made of baked clayan earthen pot

made of earth

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for earthen

earthen

adj.

early 13c., "made of earth;" see earth + -en (2). Not attested in Old English (where eorðen meant "of or in the earth"). Cognate of Old High German irdin, Gothic airþeins. Meaning "made of clay" is attested from late 14c.

earthen

adjective

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RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of earthen

Examples from the Web for earthen

British Dictionary definitions for earthen

earthen

adjective (prenominal)

Word Origin and History for earthen

earthen