1
: made of earth
2

Examples of earthen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Floodplain alterations cannot have adverse upstream or downstream effects, and earthen flood barriers, or any other interruption to the natural flow of flood water, is prohibited. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026 More specifically, the Base-01 stretches out over a patch of earthen floor measuring 183 sq ft (17 sq m) – about the same amount of floor as this handsome Ikea tiny home. — New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026 That includes the earthen ceramics, which are made with stones from Tierra del Fuego, and the bath products, which were crafted with the citrusy Patagonian herb paramela. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 As the weather cleared, water stopped spilling over an earthen flood-control structure in the area that held without failing. — Mead Gruver, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthen

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthen was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthen. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

: made of earth or of baked clay
an earthen floor
earthen dishes
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