black-and-tan

1 of 2

adjective

ˌbla-kən-ˈtan 

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

Adjective

Two-year-old Falcon has some black-and-tan in him with the coat of a German shepherd. —Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 15 Apr. 2024

But the breeder Miranda selected had no Blenheims for sale, only a single black-and-tan male. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024

Noun

Their coats are dense and waterproof, and their colors are black and tan or liver and tan. —Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2024

Singer and actress Fantasia stunned in a black and tan sheer gown by Cong Tri with matching gloves and Le Silla black sandals. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 5 Feb. 2024

The sturdy Lancashire Heeler — bred to help farmers herd cattle and rout out rats — has a long body and dense, short-haired coat that is typically black and tan or liver and tan. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 3 Jan. 2024

Lancashire heelers are typically colored black and tan or liver and tan, according to the Kennel Club, Britain’s version of the AKC. —Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 3 Jan. 2024

This rolling underseat briefcase, which comes in black and tan, is the ideal bag for someone who wants to stay organized. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2023

Conversely, the black and tan kits feature the woody Bulgari Le Gemme Gyan eau de parfum and a matching shave balm and body emulsion. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2023

Choose between black and tan for a sleek, classic look. —Phoebe Sklansky, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2023

When a black and tan fellow with a jaunty tail tries to get fresh with Goldie, a park ranger intercepts his amorous advances, stern as a middle-school dance chaperone. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1