earth·i·ness \-thēnə̇s, -thin- sometimes -th-\noun (-es) Etymology: Middle English erthynesse, from erthy earthy + -nesse -ness : the quality or state of being earthy: 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