earthy

[ur-thee]

adjective

earthier, earthiest 

1. of the nature of or consisting of earth or soil.

2. characteristic of earth.

   an earthy smell.

3. realistic; practical.

4. coarse or unrefined.

   an earthy sense of humor.

   Synonyms: rough, lusty
   Antonyms: refined, genteel

5. direct; robust; unaffected.

   an earthy, generous woman.

6. (of a mineral) having a dull luster and rough to the touch.

7. Archaic.,  worldly; pertaining to the earth.

earthy

/ ˈɜːθɪ /

adjective

1. of, composed of, or characteristic of earth

2. robust, lusty, or uninhibited

3. unrefined, coarse, or crude

4. an archaic word for worldly

5. electrical engineering on the earthed side of an electrical circuit, but not necessarily with a direct current connection to earth

Other Word Forms

• earthily adverb
• earthiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of earthy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, earthy is from the Middle English word erthy. See earth, -y ¹

Example Sentences

The pastures replete with cowbells weren’t so much scenic as earthy, the real thing.

From Los Angeles Times

She says Scottish summer truffles a strong, earthy aroma which is popular with chefs.

From BBC

Arjona has the same earthy warmth she did in “Hit Man,” while Johnson exhibits a placid air of controlled chaos similar to what she showed earlier this year in “Materialists.”

From Los Angeles Times

That day, a breeze smelling a little earthy and mulchy was coming from the west, which wasn’t as good for surfing.

From Salon

Black beans bring a deeper, earthier tone; pintos are soft and nutty, more traditional.

From Salon

Related Words

• down-to-earth 
• folksy 
• funky 
• homey 
• simple