tannin

noun

tan·​nin ˈta-nən 

1

: any of various soluble astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin used especially in tanning leather and dyeing textiles, manufacturing ink, clarifying wine and beer, and in medicine

2

: a substance that has a tanning effect

Examples of tannin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This wine features wild strawberry, cherry, and earthy notes, with soft tannins and a balanced finish. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

Best says the murky water can be full of tannins and algae and, once he’s started reaching for balls on the bottom, the disturbed silt reduces visibility dramatically. —Don Riddell, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025

Then science kicks in, with molecules in the steak’s fat making the tannins more pliable, producing softer, smoother sensations, while the wine’s tannins mellow out the fat and coax more flavor out of the meat. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025

Cannabis Tastings at Lounges Cannabis tasting is like wine tasting but with terpene profiles instead of tannins. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from tanner to tan

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tannin

• canon
• fanon
• mannan
• olecranon
• trianon

Kids Definition

tannin

noun

tan·​nin ˈtan-ən 

: any of various substances from plants (as the oak or sumac) used in tanning leather, dyeing fabric and yarn, the making of ink, and in medicine

Medical Definition

tannin

noun

tan·​nin ˈtan-ən 

1

: any of various soluble astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin used in tanning, dyeing, the making of ink, and in medicine as astringents and formerly in the treatment of burns

2

: a substance that has a tanning effect