1
a
: a sharp distinctive often lingering flavor
b
: a pungent odor
c
: something having the effect of a tang (as in stimulation of the senses)
the tang of the autumn air
add tang to your writing
2
a
: a faint suggestion : trace
my comment held a tang of sarcasm
b
: a distinguishing characteristic that sets apart or gives a special individuality
3
: a projecting shank, prong, fang, or tongue (as on a knife, file, or sword) to connect with the handle
4
: any of various surgeonfishes compare blue tang
tanged; tanging; tangs
: a sharp twanging sound
variants
or T'ang
: a Chinese dynasty dated a.d. 618–907 and marked by wide contacts with other cultures and by the development of printing and the flourishing of poetry and art
Synonyms
Examples of tang in a Sentence
Noun (1)
the young author's novel is surprisingly earnest, tackling its subject without the slightest tang of irony
there's a real tang to her poetry—it's not all sweetness and light
Recent Examples on the Web
Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mashed potatoes.
—Stacey Ballis, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
Mayonnaise: Brings a creamy tang to the base of the lemony sauce.
—Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
The homemade Buttermilk-Parmesan dressing provides the perfect tang to balance the smoky bacon and buttery croutons.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tang 
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Noun
Flavor Red velvet offers a nuanced, luxurious flavor profile that entails sweet notes of vanilla balanced by a pleasant tang from the buttermilk and vinegar, all rounded out with a muted hint of cocoa.
—Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mashed potatoes.
—Stacey Ballis, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
Mayonnaise: Brings a creamy tang to the base of the lemony sauce.
—Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024
The homemade Buttermilk-Parmesan dressing provides the perfect tang to balance the smoky bacon and buttery croutons.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tang
Articles Related to tang
Dictionary Entries Near tang
Cite this Entry
“Tang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tang. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
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