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

There is bright acidity in the mid palate and flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, red plum, and freshly leafy herbs all deftly wrapped in velvety soft tannins. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026

The fitting rooms feature walls fitted with panels made of special fabric dyed using traditional Japanese techniques: silk threads dyed with persimmon tannin for a faintly shimmering cherry-blossom color. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 31 Jan. 2026

Concentrated, with velvety tannins and a long, smooth finish. —Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

No one wants a lecture on tannins at a crowded street party. —Jonathan Kleeman, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2026

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