adjective
-
made of baked clay
an earthen pot
-
made of earth
Etymology
Origin of earthen
1175–1225; Middle English erthen, Old English eorthen. See earth, -en 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In response to the floods, the worst in 30 years, authorities were on the alert, reinforcing earthen barriers and preparing to evacuate if needed.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
Using a rich, bold palette, he depicted Islamic astronomers, philosophers, and desert wanderers with the same kinetic lines that defined his Indian art, but in warmer, earthen ochres reflecting the Gulf's landscape.
From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025
What survives of this ancient city today includes two long rows of rectangular earthen mounds, each about a meter high.
From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2025
Next to the ruptured dam, another earthen wall is being built in preparation for the resumption of mining operations, according to government officials.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025
Dragging the useless leg, she took a thick earthen bowl from a shelf and went to the fire, where a large pot simmered and smelled of herbs and vegetables.
From "Messenger" by Lois Lowry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
