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Synonyms

earthy

American  
[ur-thee] / ˈɜr θi /

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 British  
/ 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

"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

Other Word Forms

  • earthily adverb
  • earthiness noun

Etymology

Origin of earthy

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

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.

It’s warm and slightly earthy from the ground cumin and crumbled feta cheese.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

Many of the looks featured this season's favourite colour - chocolate brown, along with earthy beiges and crisp whites.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Before the night goes to vampire hell, all eyes are on Sammie in earthy and gold tones as he sings “I Lied to You.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

And its earthy, buttery, creamy, health-friendly products have even become cool.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

Brass lamps hung from the walls and the earthy floor was worn and smooth; as they walked, their shadows rippled, fanlike, across the wall.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling