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

Silky tannins lead the way to flavors of cherry, dark chocolate, and black raspberry. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2025

Very dense with smooth velvety tannins, this wine has excellent intensity, moderate complexity, and a very warm finish. —Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Several studies have found that polyphenols, especially tannins, can also play havoc with your iron supplement. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025

Their Deviate 2022 Pinot Noir has aromas of Oolong tea, eucalyptus, cherry, and red plum with smooth tannins and flavors of cranberry, black cherry, and a touch of cinnamon in the finish. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 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