earthen

UK: ˈɜːθən | US: ˈɜːrθən

Definition

  1. adj. made of earth or baked clay

  2. adj. resembling or characteristic of earth

Structure
earth <ground/soil>en <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "earthen" combines "earth," derived from Old English "eorþe" (meaning ground or soil), with the suffix "-en," which forms adjectives indicating material or origin (e.g., "wooden," "golden"). This construction directly reflects its meaning—"made of earth" or "earth-like." The suffix "-en" has Germanic roots and was commonly used in Old English to denote composition or resemblance.

Examples

  1. The villagers built earthen walls to protect their homes.

  2. She placed the flowers in an earthen pot.

  3. The artist sculpted an earthen figurine from local clay.

  4. Earthen floors were common in ancient dwellings.

  5. The jar had a rough, earthen texture.