1 (also Earth, the Earth) [U,sing.] the world; the planet that we live on:
the planet Earth * the history of life on earth * the earth's ozone layer * The earth revolves around the sun. * I must be the happiest person on earth!
2 [U,sing.] land; the hard surface of the world that is not the sea or the sky; the ground:
After a week at sea, it was good to feel the earth beneath our feet again. * You could feel the earth shake as the truck came closer.
3 [U] the substance that plants grow in
SYNSOIL:
a clod / lump / mound of earth * I cleaned off the earth clinging to my boots.
4 [C] the hole where an animal, especially a FOX, lives
5 (BrE) (AmE ground) [C,usually sing.] a wire that connects an electric CIRCUIT with the ground and makes it safe
IDIOMS
charge, cost, pay, etc. the earth (BrE, informal) to charge, etc. a lot of money:
I'd love that dress, but it costs the earth. * If you want a house in London, you'll have to pay the earth for it.
come back / down to earth (with a bang / bump)
