earthier; earthiest
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
3
: suggestive of plain or poor people or their ways: such as
a
: practical, down-to-earth
earthy problems of daily life
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
earth·i·ness
-thēnə̇s,
-thin- sometimes -t͟h-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being earthy: such as
a
: a realistic or matter-of-fact or human quality (as of a literary or dramatic production)
b
: an anomalous or off flavor (as of wines or certain foods) suggestive of soil
Cite this Entry
“Earthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.
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