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
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
Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Feb. 2026
The two whip up a lavish dip packed with cheese, greens and pickles, which add tang to cut through the indulgent creaminess.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
The old fashioned has a touch of tang from pomegranate, smoothed out by cherry bark vanilla bitters.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tang
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Noun
This versatile dairy staple can bulk up a breakfast smoothie, anchor a marinade for lamb and other meats, form the base of classic dips like tzatziki, and transform ice pops into high-protein, healthy desserts—adding tang, tenderness, and creaminess along the way.
—Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Feb. 2026
The two whip up a lavish dip packed with cheese, greens and pickles, which add tang to cut through the indulgent creaminess.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
Editors thought Walmart's potato salad was the most classic of the bunch, with the best flavor that nicely balances tang and sweetness.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
The old fashioned has a touch of tang from pomegranate, smoothed out by cherry bark vanilla bitters.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tang
Cite this Entry
“Tang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tang. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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