earth tone

English

Noun

earth tone (plural earth tones)

1. Any of a range of neutral colors reminiscent of natural materials, including soil, stone, and plants.

   Hyponyms: beige, sage green, slate, terracotta, umber

   • 2012, Margie Deeb, The Beader's Guide to Color, page 32:

     Earth tones in primitive, rough, natural forms, such as rocks, fossils, nuts, and shells, suggest our tribal ancestry.

   • 2008, Jack D. Neith, Great Kitchens, page 8:

     Muted terra cotta hues in floor tiles anchor the collection of earth tones.

   • 2012, Lexi Sundell, The Acrylic Artist's Guide to Exceptional Colour, page 101:

     Fall sets the stage for earth tones that are used to advantage in this painting.

Derived terms

• earth-tone
• earth-toned