black-and-tan

1 of 2

adjective

1
of a dog's coat : having a predominantly black color pattern with deep red or rusty tan usually on the feet, breeching, and cheek patches, above the eyes, and inside the ears
2
or Black-and-Tan dated, US politics : favoring or practicing proportional representation of Black and white people in politics compare lily-white sense 3
3
US, dated : frequented by both Black and white people
a black-and-tan bar

black and tan

2 of 2

noun

1
: a black-and-tan dog
2
: a drink consisting of a dark beer (such as stout or porter) and ale or beer of a paler color
3
Black and Tan [from the color of his uniform] : a recruit enlisted in England in 1920–21 for service in the Royal Irish Constabulary against the armed movement for Irish independence

Examples of black-and-tan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The Slipper chair in black-and-tan pinstripes captures the sophisticated yet eclectic aesthetic that the interior designers are known for. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2025 The black-and-tan longhair dachshund, named Linky, appeared amused in the short clip shared to TikTok on August 5 by his owner, under @lincolnshiresausagedog. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
His first was a black and tan 911 model from 1973 bought after his first big acting role. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 24 July 2025 Those weapons included an AR-style pistol with an empty 60-round drum magazine, a Glock handgun and a black and tan AR-style pistol. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for black-and-tan

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of black-and-tan was in 1786

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Black-and-tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-and-tan. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!