Earth
/ɜːrθ/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe planet on which we live; the third planet from the sun.
/ɜːrθ/
The planet we live on.
The Earth is the only planet known to support life.
💡 Simply: Earth is the big ball we live on, with land, water, and air, and the place where all living things are.
👶 For kids: The planet we live on! It's a big, round home with dirt, water, and air.
More Examples
Astronauts have taken stunning photos of Earth from space.
Protecting the Earth's environment is crucial for future generations.
How It's Used
"Scientists study the Earth's atmosphere."
"We all live on planet Earth."
The substance that forms the surface of the ground.
/ɜːrθ/
The ground or soil.
The roots of the tree were buried deep in the earth.
💡 Simply: The earth is the ground under your feet, the dirt where plants grow.
👶 For kids: The stuff on the ground that you can dig in and play with.
More Examples
The farmer tilled the earth before planting his crops.
The children enjoyed playing in the earth.
How It's Used
"The gardener turned the earth to prepare for planting."
"They excavated the earth to lay the foundation."
To cover or mix something with earth or soil.
/ɜːrθ/
To cover something with earth.
The gardener earthed the base of the rose bush.
💡 Simply: To 'earth' something is like covering it with soil or dirt, similar to how a gardener puts soil around a plant's base.
👶 For kids: To cover something with dirt or soil, like when you're playing in the sandbox!
More Examples
They earthed the electrical cables for safety.
How It's Used
"He earthed the base of the plant to protect it."
"The pipes were earthed to secure them."
Idioms & expressions
down to earth
Practical and realistic.
"She is a very down-to-earth person; she's easy to talk to."
move heaven and earth
To make a great effort to achieve something.
"I will move heaven and earth to help you."
on earth
Used for emphasis, often to express surprise, confusion, or anger.
"What on earth are you doing?"
From Old English *eorþe*, derived from Proto-Germanic *erþō*. Cognate with Dutch aarde, German Erde, and Norse jǫrð.
The word 'earth' has been used since Old English to refer to the ground beneath our feet and later to the planet.
Memory tip
Think of the big blue marble, our home in space.