'earth-colored' is a compound formed in English from 'earth' + 'colored'. 'earth' originates from Old English 'eorþe', where 'eorþe' meant 'ground' or 'soil', and 'colored' comes from Middle English 'coloured', from Old French 'colur' (from Latin 'color').

'earth' changed from Old English 'eorþe' into Middle English 'erthe' and eventually modern English 'earth'. 'colored' comes from Old French 'colur' → Middle English 'coloured' and became the modern English adjective 'colored' (also spelled 'coloured' in British English). The compound 'earth-colored' developed in Modern English by joining these elements.

Initially the components meant 'ground/soil' and 'having color'; together they specifically described hues like soil. Over time the compound retained this basic sense and is still used to describe brown or natural, muted brown tones.