earthbound

¹

or earth-bound

[ urth-bound ]

adjective

1. firmly set in or attached to the earth.
2. limited to the earth or its surface.
3. having only earthly interests.
4. lacking in imagination or sophistication:

   earthbound prose.

earthbound

²

or earth-bound

[ urth-bound ]

adjective

1. headed for the earth:

   an earthbound meteorite.

earthbound

/ ˈɜːθˌbaʊnd /

adjective

1. confined to the earth
2. lacking in imagination; pedestrian or dull
3. moving or heading towards the earth

Word History and Origins

Origin of earthbound¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; earth + -bound ¹

Origin of earthbound²

First recorded in 1930–35; earth + -bound ²

Example Sentences

With a normal earthbound telescope, one can only see the Serpens constellation in the northern part of the celestial hemisphere.

From Salon

As an earthbound motorcyclist speeds around the cylinder, their inertia pushes them into the wall, creating an outward centrifugal force.

From Science Magazine

Indeed, the series needs to get earthbound sometimes, if only for relief.

From Los Angeles Times

Consider it a more earthbound “Touched by an Angel.”

From Seattle Times

Alas, they weren’t given out at the press screening so I remained earthbound.

From New York Times

Related Words

• dreary
• humdrum
• lackluster
• mundane